By Jack Lapauve Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Southern Highlands Governor, William Powi, says Joseph Cajetan is the new Acting Provincial Administrator for the province. Governor Powi made this comment following recent statements made in the media. Powi says Public Service Minister, Elias Kapavore, has made it clear that Mr. Cajetan is duly appointed and his appointment must take effect.
Despite Thomas Eluh’s comments to remain in office, Governor Powi says Eluh’s term has expired, and Mr. Joseph Cajetan is now the new Acting Provincial Administrator. Eluh was appointed following the election-related violence and continued when parts of the Highlands was struck by the massive 7.5 magnitude earthquake.
Governor Powi is now calling for Eluh to adhere to the decision made by the Public Service process. Governor Powi says Mr. Eluh has done a lot in the space of three months. He says a formal handover ceremony must take place in Mendi. The Southern Highlands Governor is urging all public servants in the province not to take sides as the province has gone through a lot in the last six months.
Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands Governor urged the Secretary of Finance, Ken Ngangan, and bank agents to allow Joseph Cajetan access provincial funds as the mandated Administrator. Governor Powi says the Public Service Minister has made a firm decision and said it should not be questioned. Mr. Powi says restoration and emergency work in the province is progressing and the tussle over the Provincial Administrator’s post must not affect it.
