Acting works secretary assures normalcy at work

Acting secretary for Works and Highways Department Gibson Holemba says there is normalcy at work despite the abrupt changes in the top management.

Holemba who took office last week issued a circular to allow for continuity in work after his predecessor David Wereh was reassigned to be PNG’s ambassador to Philippines.

“There is no policy at the workplace. There is no issue. We understand the public service processes and that's why we are professionals ourselves, including our former boss who left us in the current appointment,” Holemba said.

“We are managing the situation in a professional way and thankful that there's understanding amongst ourselves.

“So we need to let the work continue and whatever processes that will take place, it has to take place as they continue to follow.”

Holemba’s appointment was effected last week (August 7) following a National Executive Council decision.
The new Works secretary urged staff to uphold the NEC decision and allow for a smoother transition at the department.

He also clarified that the outgoing Works boss was not terminated, sacked nor sidelined but was rather reassigned to a new post overseas.

“Reassigned, meaning that he is still maintaining his contract in the same capacity as he was as secretary, but in a different position,” Holemba said.

“There is a misunderstanding of the technicality of the nature of the current situation.”

Serving into his third term, Mr. Wereh has two more years under his contract which was prematurely terminated.

The acting secretary clarified that the government under the contract of employment allows for reassignment under close 15 of the standard contracts of departmental heads.

Holemba acknowledged Wereh’s service to the department and the country, assuring that he would continue the significant work done by the incumbent secretary, focusing on the Connect PNG program.