POWI CALLS FOR DECENTRALIZATION IN HONOUR OF LATE SIR JULIUS
By Lethisa KOLOKOL
Southern Highlands Governor William Powi has called for decentralization of powers so that provinces can have greater autonomy, this is in respect to the late Grand Chief Sir Julius Chan who has always been a strong advocate for greater autonomy.
In his tribute to the late Sir Julius on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday 12th 2025 , Governor Powi said the people of Papua New Guinea are watching, it is imperative that as leaders they have to value and demonstrate national unity through actions.
He says Sir Julius commanded national leadership, believing in decentralization in process of government and people’s empowerment.
He stressed that functions of government such as village court functions, land mediation, ward councilor, Department of Primary Industry (DPI) extension services and all other extension functions and services at the districts and sub national governments should be decentralized completely.
Powi adds that Waigani should only focus policy oversight functions.
Governor Powi called for the leaders in parliament, that in reverence to Sir Julius and in celebrating the country’s 50 years of independence, the leaders should set precedence in the decentralization, giving some level of autonomy back to the people.
