Honiara City CouncilLocal Governance, Leadership

Management & Service Deliveries

Hello! My Colleagues and Friends

I bring Greetings from my Executive Council members in Honiara who have pledged and joined me in wishing for the success of this Forum.

Honiara City Council Experiences

All Politicians ( Either in National Parliament or in Local Governments) We are elected into office by our constituencies or wards to

be representatives In James Svara’s definition of the ‘representation role’, we are

the ‘delegates’ and ‘trustees’ of constituents whom we represent

We have been entrusted with the trust and confidence by them to act and speak on their behalves

On that count, we are accountable to the people and the government structure we are working and responsible for

Representation is at the very core of local governance, democracy, and elected leadership.

It is also the most problematic, difficult, and challenging aspect of your role as an elected official

When Elected into Office.First N Foremost Induction and orientation programs of our legal

mandate and statutory functions of the offices we have been assigned to perform is of paramount importance

Honiara City Council Local Government Experience

“The Foundations of our Leadership” The City Act, or local governments acts, their Legislations, Ordinances, standing

orders and working Policies of the governments we serve are important factor for us to understand

These are the legal bases of our leadership roles Bases of decision makings, with political directives Bases for way forwards for the council N its service deliveries Bases to bring Changes and Improvement Bases to create and improve relationships ( external & internal) Bases of strengthening and improving Service Deliveries into the communities Bases of Compliance and Quality Control Forward Developments Good Governance Donor / Partner relationships Work Force Management & Staff Relationships ( Cordial relationships) is of

paramount important for the work force to execute effective service for the government of the day.

Honiara City Council

I would like to focus on One point as an ExampleCreating and Managing Relationships with Internal & External Partners is of value and Importance; Most local governments depend on: Grants from Central Government Internal Revenue generating incomeFor executing and delivery of services to the communities (inadequate at times)Local Government with Clear and Good Policies on:Good Governances, Strategic Planning, and Work Plan Strategies. Partners are willing to fill in gaps in development strategies and delivery of services to the communities Example with HCC, World Bank, NZAID, UN Women, JICA, UN Habitat, Mono Pumps,

Local Government –Relationships

Being the Mayor of the City• Good Strong Relationship with Government ( National N Line

Ministries)• Good Cordial Relationships with Diplomatic Missions• Strong Relationship with Business Houses • Good Cordial relationship with colleagues councilors• Good Strong relations with Management and Work Force

Decision Makings

Decision Making is the Hardest in any political endeavor• Know the legislations and policy frameworks of your

government • Seek Appropriate Legal Advise / Opinion when

necessary• Seek inputs from community including marginalized

and minority groups• Undertake policy analysis and appropriate research• Stay Focus and determined at your political ambition

for Changes, improvements and developments • Do not work in isolation - be a team player

Honiara City CouncilThese are some Hindrances and risks to Local Government • Little or no interest and lack of good and adequate performances by

elected political leadership into office• Politicians with hidden agenda and interests in office• Money driven personal into the political powerhouse • Ignorance of local governments legislations • Constant ‘Motion of No-Confidences’ • Making Decisions outside our legal mandate or legislative frameworks• Individuals who want to be smarter than others• Death in Office• Non-cooperation by some members• Inadequate collected revenue (for service delivery) • Poor and bad Policies• Non-support by work force to political leadership • Poor Political directives

Leadership in Melanesia Context

Bottom Up Leadership approach • Leadership is based on traditional values in our Society• Presently, leadership is extension from our traditions – based

on the ‘wontok’ system• But, leadership is about providing good accountability and

transparency• Leadership is entrusted with power and responsibilities• A responsibility for development, performances delivery of

services • Leaders are obliged to admit his/her incompetent• Leadership must display maturity and confident in dealing

with issues

Leadership ChallengesIn Melanesia context, Leadership is always challenged especially in Solomon Islands, it is like a disease Namely but a few Leadership, Managements skills, especially when you have

to deal with a diverse Community, and cultural diversity and a political differences and Gender issues.

High Expectations Leadership output are monitored Incompetence and autocratic behaviours are issues Are excuses For Motions of No Confidence against political

leaderships

Managing Challenges

• Be Prepared to meet the Challenges • Be Confident to make changes • Bring changes for improvements where necessary • Changes to bring innovative solutions• A must to demonstrate leadership capacity• Give clear directives and monitor change improvements• Continue to maintain and demonstrate cordial relationships• Political Leadership must maintain respect of Management

and its independence

Happy Local Government in the Pacific

PNG Local Government CLGF

Tagio Tumas lo Hospitality lo here lo Port Moresby

Ladies and Gentlemen

TAGIO TUMAS

Happy Local Government in the Pacific