The Local Government Division (LGD) is mandated to support the Local Governments role in ensuring that local communities are well looked after in terms of their needs, interests and values. The division is required to assist Local Governments in delivering public services and to enable democratic decision-making and action by, and on behalf of communities to advance social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of communities now and in the future. It fulfills this mandate by managing, facilitating, supporting and strengthening local governance, through the provision of advisory services, technical support and capacity building of Council Leaders and Officials. Additionally, introducing good governance principles through compliance auditing and enforcement of the Local Government Act and related legislations are also measures to support local governments deliver transparent, effective and efficient public services. The department also implements effective management of Government assets on outer islands and maintains peace and security through the enforcement of the Liquor and Kava Acts. The Division is also responsible for Management of Urbanization Issues as well as the management of the Health and Police Services Improvement Fund (HPSIF). Therefore, the LDG is not only obligated to strengthening capacity and capability of the Local Governments but also ensuring that the local communities are healthy, resilient and enjoying a peaceful and prosperous life.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS
Audting and Ispection Unit:
Carrying out auditing and inspection works to the monthly account of the island councils and to ensure that all payments and receipts are consistent to the Local Government Financial Instructions (LGFI). Compilation of their auditing report and submit to respective island councils for reconciliation purposes. Formulating of financial reports on schedules of receipts and payments, trial balances and final account.
Maintenance Unit:
Provide sustainable support in maintaining outer island facilities built from local materials for tenants to live in a comfortable housing, patients to staying in good and well maintained wards. To make sure that island councils have their maintenance plan incorporating maintenance works for each respective year and to ensure that payments are made to completed works related to the maintenance plan. Reconciliation of acquittal reports once received from outer islands.
Motorcycle Unit (HPSIF)
Provide good support in maintaining the transportation of JSS students to be in good conditions at all times. It also assist in providing spare parts for the sustainable functioning of those vehicles together with the Police motorcycle and the formulation of financial account and report.
Urban Management Unit
This unit plays a vital responsibility in providing sustainable support to the three urban councils such as Betio Town Council, Teinainano Urban Council and Kiritimati Urban Council through the conduction of trainings and workshops to improve human resource capacity building so in return may improve their service deliveries in a more reliable and efficient manner to the public. Assist in addressing urban challenges and social issues on overpopulation and overcrowded areas.
Information Unit
The main responsibilities of this unit is to keep records of Councils information and data, council minutes and extracting pressing issues that requires urgent actions and assistance from the Ministry (MIA) and other related sectors and organizations. Providing protocol services to VIP such as Mayors upon their arrival to Tarawa and departure to their respective islands. Assist in keeping records of byelaws and standing orders including condition of services for island councils. Assist in purchasing orders from outer islands and also processing and doing follow ups for RBC request and other stationaries.