Basil joins Finance under trying economic climate

National

NEW Finance Minister Sam Basil has visited Vulupindi Haus to meet senior Finance Department staff to be briefed about ongoing issues and outline his direction for the department.
Formal introductions with staff will be made this week when there will be a handover from outgoing minister James Marape.
Secretary for Finance Dr Ken Ngangan said he looked forward to working with Basil under a challenging global economic climate.
“Senior management offered our congratulations to Basil and we look forward to working with him from where Minister Marape left off, Ngangan said.
“The national economy faces many challenges with uncertainty in the global economy.
“Despite this, the government has clearly articulated the approach for this department to ensure financial stability and maintain growth in the economy. We will continue to be prudent in expenditure of government finances under the minister’s leadership and ensure ongoing positive economic growth.”
The secretary said the delivery of services, particularly to remote and rural communities, remained a core focus of the government, and this had been reaffirmed by the minister.
“Basil brings to us new energy and a wealth of experience, especially at the district level,” Ngangan said.
“We have seen his Bulolo district championing the building infrastructure, particularly in information technology infrastructure to support service delivery.
“His experience will guide us well in our rollout of our Integrated Financial Management System and audit and financial inspections work as we extend our mandate to the sub-national levels of government.”