The Department of Works and Highways now has a new Acting Secretary following the recent termination of the former Secretary.
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape on Tuesday 13th August confirmed that Cabinet has made the decision to appoint Deputy Secretary, Mr. Gibson Holemba to replace former Works & Highways Secretary Mr. David Wereh.
The prime minister also confirmed that Mr. Wereh is being posted overseas to take up appointment as Papua New Guinea’s ambassador to the Philippines.
Marape said a formal letter signed by the Governor-General effecting the decision has been dispatched to Mr. Wereh, and that he was looking forward to seeing a smooth transition.
“Cabinet has made the decision to get Mr. Holemba to take the place of Secretary Wereh, who, in an earlier Cabinet decision, is being transferred to the Philippines as the PNG ambassador to the Philippines,” said the PM.
“The Public Services Commission and Department of Personnel Management have initiated this process while they find a permanent replacement.
“Three deputy secretaries were shortlisted, and Mr. Holemba was appointed by a majority Cabinet decision as the acting secretary. Mr. Holemba will remain so until the Department of Personnel Management advertises the position for someone to take up the position on a permanent basis.”
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the contributions made by Mr. Wereh during his time as Secretary for Works & Highways, especially in implementing the Connect PNG Programme.
“On behalf of the country, I want to offer our highest commendations to Secretary Wereh. He served well, with high work ethics; he is the author of Connect PNG Programme, and his legacy will remain.
“During his time, he has maintained decorum and high works standards at the department, but it is best to move on after holding the position for some time.
It is good for his career that he moves on to another place to allow someone else to come in so that we do not compromise Connect PNG Programme,” said PM Marape.
On concerns raised by former prime minister and Member for Ialibu-Pangia, Peter O’Neill against Mr. Wereh, Prime Minister Marape said Government is taking this seriously and will be investigating the claims.
“Mr. O’Neill did raise some serious issues in terms of how the Works department was run, among them concerns about contracts being given to one or two contractors only. This will be investigated.
“But the major focus of our government to open up the country with enabling infrastructure remains and we will continue this going into the future,” said PM Marape.