The annual induction meeting for district and town officers in Tonga, aimed to improve the effectiveness of local government, was held on February 5-6, at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre.

Some 82 district and town officers from Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua attended the meeting opened by the Minister for Internal Affairs Hon ‘Akosita Lavulavu.

Acting CEO for the Ministry of Internal Afffairs ‘Onetoto, said these officers were elected by the people to serve and their duties should be performed with great integrity and with clear conscience.

The meeting is an opportunity to discuss and identify with the district and town officers in one forum the expectations of their duties, and understanding that the nature of those duties had changed over the years since legislation was developed.

“We envisioned that the outcome of this meeting would improve the effectiveness of local administration with regards to local government, specifically the district and town officers."

Presentations were made from key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, Police, Justice, Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forest and Fisheries, Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC)

‘Eva Tu’uholoaki, Deputy CEO Local Government and Community Development Division said the expectations and responsibilities of district and town officers has changed but current legislation had not.

"Given they are the main providers of service at the local level, the division works closely with the District and Town Officers Act and we are currently working with a legal advisor under the supervision of the new Minister to amend and review the duties of district and town officers under the Act," she said.