New proposed district in Milne Bay needs infrastructure facelift before split

Alotau MP Ricky Morris says the proposed new Baniara district in Milne Bay province needs setup of basic government services to solidify its stance before the diverge in 2027.

Morris is preparing his district for the government approved split and equipping the Baniara area with necessary infrastructure as one of the major agendas in the Alotau District Development Plan under his term.

Morris revealed that Alotau District Development Authority was prioritising this, and has approved funding for work on a Police Station, Court House and other relevant infrastructure at Rabaraba station to compliment the Health Center development from last term.

He said the district has made a submission to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs for the setup of a Special Purpose Authority to lead this agenda of preparing the new district.

Morris said they have invited the minister responsible Soroi Eoe for a roundtable discussion to iron out their concerns before the split occurs.

"Hopefully the minister can give us a response in his visit and at the same time have a general view of why we want a split and our justification," the Alotau MP said.

"Baniara is a very challenging district, like many other districts, and it's also one of the biggest with seven local level governments."

Morris concern for the new district would be to establish a robust administrative and governance system to ensure its politically and economically ready.

He said the recently formed districts in the country are struggling to develop infrastructure and provide basic services to the people.

The Alotau MP is vocal about ensuring the Baniara district is fully prepared before taking the political wheels.

Meanwhile, Alotau District has 7 LLGs and the split will see it cut to 4 while the new Baniara District will now administer 3.