MP wants manager appointed

HENGANOFI MP Robert Atiyafa has called on the Government to appoint a provincial finance manager for Eastern Highlands following the death of Vilo Wortovo.
An officer from the Finance Department had recently arrived at the provincial treasury office claiming to be the newly-appointed treasurer and told staff to immediately clear outstanding payments to Governor Peter Numu.
Atiyafa said the officer, who did not introduce himself to staff, told them that he was “under instruction to clear anything owed to the governor’s office immediately”.
“The treasury office in the province performs national functions and is controlled by the Finance secretary and Finance Minister,” he said.
“Appointing a new finance manager must follow processes and protocols,” he said.
Atiyafa called on Finance Minister Renbo Paita and Finance secretary Dr Ken Ngangan to clarify the processes involved in appointing provincial finance managers and as well, the case concerning Eastern Highlands.
Finance officers at the provincial government building in Goroka confirmed that the officer just turned up and started issuing instructions.
The provincial administrator refused to accept him.
Numu last week said Simon Tomba had been appointed the new provincial treasurer.