Western North Minister Warns MMDCEs Against Misconduct

The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, has reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and performance among Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

Addressing a regional meeting with MMDCEs and DRIP Coordinators, the Minister stressed that any MMDCE or regional minister found meddling in “guarantee” matters will lose their position.

He outlined several key performance indicators (KPIs) that will guide the evaluation of MMDCEs. These include sanitation day celebrations, communal labour and self-help practices, project execution and quality, and value for money.

The Minister also highlighted security as a major area of assessment, commending stakeholders for maintaining peace in the region. He emphasized the need for frequent subcommittee meetings, improved street lighting, and strong community engagement.

According to him, flagship government programmes such as Green for Our Economy and the Free Apprenticeship Programme will be closely monitored to ensure their success. He added that building strong relationships with community members was crucial for development.

The Minister further encouraged MMDCEs to support the newly introduced “blue water guards” enforcement teams, noting that they work without arms and require the backing of district and municipal security personnel. He assured that a performance matrix will soon be released to track the work of assemblies.

In the same programme, the Western North Regional DRIP Coordinator, Mr. Ntere Dominic, briefed the MMDCEs on the training given to operators and coordinators of heavy-duty equipment under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).

He explained that the coordinators will perform both administrative and field duties, including monitoring road rehabilitation works in their communities. They will also act as engineers supervising the work of DRIP operators, while the assemblies’ engineers provide technical support.

The MMDCEs and DRIP Coordinators are expected to collaborate in selecting roads to be reshaped, with final approval from the Regional DRIP Coordinator. Assemblies have been directed to provide offices with two staff for the coordinators and issue them appointment letters to enable payment at the district level while awaiting national-level confirmation.

Mr. Ntere said the training, which covered both theory and practical sessions, was designed to ensure safe handling, proper maintenance, and efficient use of the equipment. He cautioned that because the machines are expensive and critical to improving road networks, operators must strictly adhere to safety and accountability protocols.