Sungi denies allegation of locking out Minister Kaupa

The Office of Climate Change and Development Authority [CCDA] has denied allegations that they were responsible for locking out the new Minister for Environment and Conservation, John Kaupa, early this week.

Acting CCDA Managing Director, Debra Sungi in a statement, says that she nor any of her CCDA Officers, has access to, or possession of the Minister's office and keys.

Ms. Sungi said that the Minis terial Office is a political office, that is allocated to the Minister responsible, and it has separate administrative functions to the CCDA, even though they are both in the same premises.

She added that CCDA had initially planned to facilitate the Ministerial handover takeover on Wednesday July 22nd, but there was some uncertainty, when there were some public announcement's that the Forest Ministry will also oversee the Climate Change portfolio.

Ms. Sungi further added that, this prompted them to await the official Ministerial Determination and Gazettal Notice, before they proceed with the ministerial changes.

The Minister's First Secretary, Jack Ninkama told the media yesterday that the office was locked and the keys could not be located.

The media was also told by Mr. Ninkama that he has instructed the building Manager to change the locks to the Ministers Office, so his staff can gain access to the building, and prepare the place for the scheduled handover takeover ceremony as earlier scheduled.