Morobe PEC denies stopping Kamen’s appointment

By ELLEN TIAMU
THE Morobe provincial executive committee has clarified that it met last Thursday but did not pass a resolution to stop the appointment of Roy Kamen as acting city manager.
Deputy Governor Morokoi Gaiwata said although a submission was made by Lord Mayor James Khay on the issue of city manager, the committee reasoned that it was an administrative matter that should be left to provincial administrator Patillas Gamato.
The committee had asked the lord mayor and deputy governor to meet with Gamato and discuss the possibility of advertising the city manager’s position.
Gaiwata said acting city manager Murewe Zurenuoc and Nawaeb district manager Roy Kamen should apply for the position.
Gamato had appointed Kamen as acting city manager and  on Friday was taken to the Lae City Hall to meet the employees. 
Meanwhile, acting deputy provincial administrator for district services, Tony Ase last Friday officially informed staff at the Lae city hall that Gamato was in charge of administrative matters in the province and his appointment of Kamen as acting city manager should stand.
An official hand­over ceremony between incumbent Murewe Zurenuoc and Kamen is expected to take place on Wednesday.
Kamen’s position as Nawaeb district administrator will be handed over to Mathias Awagasi who is currently Nabak local level government manager.
Ase said it was in the best interest of the city and its residents that Lae urban council employees should work together for the smooth
delivery of public services to the general public.