The National |11 February, 2025
THE Ombudsman Commission has warned provincial administrators, provincial administration workers, chief executive officers and employees of district development authorities that it is illegal to operate outside their designated locations.
A statement from Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen, Ombudsman Tabitha Suwae, and acting Ombudsman Kevin Kepore said: “Operating outside the designated location is improper as there are legally defined administrative boundaries within which these public servants must serve.
“This practice not only disrupts effective service delivery to the respective provinces and districts but it also undermines the principles of good governance, accountability and transparency.
“The Ombudsman Commission hereby directs all provincial administrators, provincial administration staff, district chief executive officers and their staff who are operating outside to immediately relocate to their designated locations within one month from the date (Feb 5) of this notice.
“It is imperative for all provincial administrators, provincial administration staff, chief executive officers of the district development authorities, and the district administration staff to take note and cooperate with the Ombudsman Commission by relocating to their designated locations.”
Provincial administrators and chief executive olfficers of the district development authorities are required under Section 23 of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership to co-operate with the Ombudsman Commission.
“For the provincial, district development authority and district administration staff, you are persons to whom the national goals and directive principles and the basic social obligations apply.
“You are therefore encouraged to comply with the basic social obligations as far as it is within your respective powers to relocate immediately and perform your duties in the provinces and districts.
“Should you fail to comply with this directive, you may be subject to enforcement proceedings in the National Court under Section 23 of the Constitution.”