Public servants told to return to work

Hela Provincial Administrator Ronny Angu says this 51st Independence Anniversary must mark a turning point - a time when all public servants in Hela unite and commit to serving the people.

Speaking during the Independence celebrations in Tari, Angu issued a stern warning to absentee public servants who continue to draw salaries while living outside the province.

"After these celebrations, going forward, all provincial and district public servants must be seen at their respective workplaces," he declared.

"I do not want public servants who are living outside the province and collecting pay. It is time to change and they must return to their workplaces in Hela Province," he said.

Mr. Angu reiterated that any public servant who remains outside the province while still collecting a government salary will be terminated.

Mr. Angu, who is also Chairman of the Hela Provincial Liquor Licensing Board, said his biggest challenge is public servants themselves defying the province-wide liquor ban.

He revealed that he has now directed a section of the PNG Defence Force to conduct road checks on all vehicles - including public servants, police and PNGDF vehicles - not just civilians.

"As I speak today, 75 cartons of beer have been confiscated and some public servants have been arrested and are now locked up at the Tari Police Cell Block. Our message has been very clear on the liquor ban. Public servants have a duty to educate their communities on the liquor ban, not to be seen drinking around," he said.

He said the enforcement will continue and no one will be exempt from the ban.
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