Launching of Ward Members on Ascenda Payroll

After almost 50 years of independence and at last about 7000 plus Local Level Government (LLG) Ward Members are being put on the Government’s Ascenda Payroll system.

The official launching took place at the Gateway hotel in Port Moresby on the 5th of March, 2024.

Inter-Government and Relations Minister, Hon. Soroi Eoe and the Public Service Minister, Hon. Joe Sungi officially launched the event.

Secretaries from the Department of  Personnel Management, Ms. Taies Sansan, and the Acting Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Mr. Philip Leo were in attendance at the event including the  other officers, media and few representatives from the Kikori LLG Ward.

The initial seven pilot sites includes; Hela, Enga, Gulf, Sandaun, Manus, East New Britain, and New Ireland. However, five more provinces; Central, Oro, Jiwaka, West New Britain, and Milne Bay, have also been loaded onto the pay.

Minister Sungi commended the Marape-Rosso Government and NEC for this  policy and their contributions that resulted in the ward members being put on the government payroll.

“In 2021, the NEC made a decision (No. 322/2021), and directed the Department of Personnel Management and the Provincial and Local Level Government to ensure ward members are put on the Ascenda pay integrated HR payroll system”, said Minister Sungi.

The other agencies involved in this exercise as directed by NEC were; National Planning, Finance and Treasury.

“Today is a historical event which will see beginning of the ward members eventually being put on the Government payroll to receive their allowances as those who  administer government services at the ward level”, Minister Sungi said.

Meanwhile, Minister Soroi Eoe in his keynote address said a sum of K2.5 million will be paid out to 7277 elected LLG   members and  deputy presidents.

He said they will earn K300 and K350 per fortnights respectively, including a sitting allowance of K50 per person on every meeting they attend.

Minister Soroi acknowledged the Government for the leadership they have displayed that came up with the policy framework, a vital policy to get the country on the right path in the context of the Government’s ‘Take back PNG’ approach.

He also thanked the departmental heads of all the agencies involved and their staff who are working together to reform the Provincial and LLGs and the Public Service in the country.

“It is very important that the Government focus should be redirected to 80 percent of where our people are, where they are waiting for our services”, said Minister Eoe.

“We must have good systems that will deliver to our people right down to the grassroots level where it all begins, you develop the LLG ward systems, you develop PNG”, he said.

Meanwhile, work on completing the rest of the Wards will be completed on Pay 6 & 7.