JUHA SPA WELCOMES THE PASSING OF THE LLG ADMINISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 2024

“The Bill aims to empower local governments and Special Purpose Authorities and ensure accountability.”

Juha Special Purposes Authority (SPA) welcomes the passing of the Local-Level Government Administration (Amendment) Bill 2024, calling it a major step towards better governance, accountability, and service delivery in local communities.

The bill introduced by Minister for Provincial and Local-Level Government Affairs Hon. Soroi Marepo Eoe aims to empower local governments and Special Purpose Authorities and ensure accountability is maintained to use and protect public funds through strict financial regulations.

Key changes in the Bill introduces important reforms which include:

■Section 11 expands the roles and responsibilities of Ward Members (Councillors) to improve transparency and leadership in local communities.

■Section 14 strengthens the qualifications required for Local-Level Government (LLG) members, ensuring only capable leaders are elected.

■Section 45 bans Chairmen and Board Members of Local-Level Government Special Purpose Authorities (LLG SPAs) from acting as signatories to bank accounts, preventing financial abuse.

■Section 50 gives the responsible Minister the power to take action against LLG SPA Chairmen, Boards, and Management if they misuse public funds or abuse their authority.

Our goal is to ensure local governments and Special Purpose Authorities function effectively and serve the true intent and purposes for their establishments.

BEN HEROWA
Chairman – Juha SPA.