Gamato takes up office

 By PISAI GUMAR

MOROBE is an exciting province, attracting political and socio-economic challenges that require a collective effort from public servants to serve the people, government and businesses.

New provincial administrator Patilias Gamato told people that when he returned from Waigani after assuming the position officially.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and the National Executive Council last Monday confirmed Gamato as the new administrator for next four years.

“I thank Governor Kelly Naru and members of the provincial cabinet for their trust and confidence in my leadership capability and choosing me to lead this interesting and exciting province during a peak period of socio-economic challenges” Gamato said.  

He said the ideal location of the province and city lured huge businesses like Hidden Valley and Wafi gold-copper mines to invest. Developments such as the four-lane Lae-Nadzab Highway, the Wagang Wharf, five tuna canneries, the Tidal Basin Project, and the Yalu and Javani industrial parks sent a buzz through the province.

Gamato said that in the last five to 10 years, the province began to experience increasing business activities, coupled with issues in law and order caused by urban migration and politics.

Such investments and issues require dedicated and committed leadership administratively to lead and guide the province, Gamato said.

“I am determined to provide the required administrative leadership for Morobe, taking on from where previous administrators Geoving Bilong and Kemas Tomala left and I expect a collective effort and support from all public servants,” Gamato said.

“I know you all, likewise you all know me well and I have been inside the delivery system of the province for the last 30 years, beginning from being a clerk.” 

Former premier Titi Christian welcomed Gamato.

“We expect strengthening of service delivery mechanisms to ensure people benefit from what is rightfully theirs,” Christian said.