The Balanataman Local Level Government (LLG) in Rabaul District, East New Britain province, has signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Provincial NID and Civil Registry Office with the aim of bringing their services to the ward level.

The agreement aims to ensure that all citizens within Balanataman LLG are registered under the National Identity program and improve access to government services through verified identity documentation.

Witnessing the recent signing at the Balanataman LLG chambers, was the Provincial Community Development Advisor, Paul Kapa, who emphasized on the importance of the program and such partnerships.

“This is a great initiative where the government is empowering organizations to assist with the delivery of services.”

“They have the expertise and manpower; we just have to resource and support them.”

The Community Development Advisor further said that having important documents in place such as birth certificate and NID card gives you a legal sense of identity, access and security.

Though there are certain challenges with the program itself, Kapa said that the successful rollout of the program at the LLG needs teamwork from all parties involved.

Meanwhile, Provincial Senior Registration Officer Judy Chanel, said that 39% of Balanataman LLG has been covered in 2019 when the team did a mass registration.

She stated that data collection and entry, form lodgments, registration and fingerprint collection and birth certificates is done in the province whereas processing of NID cards is done in Port Moresby.

“The 61% is still out there which we need to cover in this program, and this is a mammoth task.”

“We have challenges such as logistics, lack of financial support, internet link issues, incomplete forms etc., and this sometimes affect our turnaround time.”

In addition, she also said that such service agreements and partnership will ease some of the challenges faced and bring service closer to the people at the ward level.

On the other hand, President for Balanataman LLG Leonard Maing, who is also the Community Development representative in the Provincial Executive Council, commended the LLG administration for such initiative and urged both parties to work together in rolling out the program and reaching full coverage of the LLG.

The same arrangement will also be done with the other three LLGs in Rabaul.