Western Highlands bids farewell to long serving provincial finance manager

The Western Highlands Provincial Administration on Thursday bid a final farewell to its long-serving Provincial Finance Manager, the Late Reverend Timothy Rapula, during an emotional ceremony at Mara Haus in Mt Hagen.

Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa, accompanied by members of the Provincial Executive Council [PEC], Provincial Administrator Joseph Mangbil, divisional heads, and public servants from across the province, gathered to pay their last respects to a man described as a dedicated public servant, mentor, spiritual leader, and someone who upheld integrity within the provincial administration.

Governor Rapa, in his tribute, commended the Late Rapula for his unwavering commitment and integrity in managing the province’s financial affairs over many years. He said Rapula’s professionalism and sense of duty had greatly contributed to maintaining financial stability within the provincial administration.

"The Late Reverend Timothy Rapula was not only a Finance Manager but a true servant of the people. His legacy of transparency and accountability will continue to guide this administration," Governor Rapa said.

Colleagues and friends remembered him as a mentor and team player who served with humility and led by example, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of provincial operations.

The casket of the Late Provincial Finance Manager was brought to Mara Haus, his workplace for many years, where staff members and public servants lined up to pay their final respects before it was taken to Queens Park as part of the "State Mourning Avenue."

The state funeral of the Late Reverend Timothy Rapula was held on Friday. The Finance Department, represented by the Finance Secretary and senior officials, handed over the casket to the Western Highlands Provincial Government and Administration.

The WHPG will escort the casket to his home village in Pangia, Southern Highlands Province, on Monday, where it will be handed over to his family and tribe for burial.

The Western Highlands Provincial Government and Administration is deeply saddened by the loss of one of its most senior and experienced officers.

The Late Rapula spent 43 years in public service in Western Highlands alone, and his passing is described as a great loss to the province and the public service as a whole.