Maru names new acting secretary for National Planning Dept

KONEY Samuel, pictured, has been appointed the National Planning and Monitoring Department acting secretary.
The 44-year-old from Maprik, in East Sepik, replaces Hakaua Harry who is taking up the post of High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, according to National Planning and Monitoring Minister Richard Maru.
Samuel was serving as the deputy secretary Public Investment Programme with the department.
“While the formal process to advertise the position is being undertaken, I appeal to staff to lend him support as we embark on several important tasks such as the Medium Term Development Plan III, the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, the 2019 national budget, the Wash sector reforms, the national census and other projects,” Maru said.
Samuel started with the then National Planning Office in 1999 after attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and public administration at the University of Papua New Guinea.
He also has a post graduate Diploma in Public Administration and a Master of Arts in Development Studies, both from the Australian National University.
Samuel began as a junior monitoring and evaluation officer and later served in various capacities.
“I have seen the department evolve through different stages with various department heads. I am fully aware of issues affecting the department – management, operational and technical and related issues,” he said.
“I am ready to take on the challenges given this opportunity to lead the department.”