Morobe PA’s term ends

By GLORIA BAUAI
The four-year term of Bart Ipambonj as the provincial administrator for Morobe has ended this month, says Governor Ginson Saonu.
Soanu confirmed a vacancy in this top office as the province awaits the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) to appoint an acting administrator while the normal recruiting process takes place.
He said the provincial executive committee was supposed to appoint an acting PA at least three months in advance to the expiration of the current PA’s tenure. “That vital information was not made known to me until only a few days prior to his (PA’s) term expiring,” he said.
“In the meantime, they can advertise for those interested to apply and go through normal vetting process for appointment; I’m still awaiting DPM to respond to my recommendation.”
Ipambonj, a long-time public servant, was appointed administrator by the National Executive Committee in June 2018.
Prior to his appointment, there was no permanent provincial administrator since November 2015 when Patilias Gamato left to become electoral commissioner.