Ngangan confirms Gulf finance appointment

By ERIC PIET
FINANCE Secretary Dr Ken Ngangan has confirmed the appointment of Lawrence Olkoben as provincial finance manager for Gulf, saying that his appointment is on a short-term contract.
Ngangan said the appointment was effected on Jan 27, 2019 on the request made by the Gulf administration through Governor Chris Haiveta.
“Olkoben’s appointment as finance manager for Gulf is only on a short-term contract. His performance on the job would be reviewed and position advertised for a permanent appointment,” Ngangan said.
Olkoben, a professional accountant, who took temporary appointment was the longest serving provincial treasurer for Southern Highlands and Hela.
As the finance manager, he would be controlling the provincial finances according to the budgets and report on a timely basis on the financial performance and budget forecast for the province with respect to various revenue sources, where he would manage and reconcile 10 local level governments’ accounts, two district funds and six provincial accounts on a monthly basis.
In a low key handover ceremony this month, Olkoben thanked the Government for the trust in him and also expressed his gratitude to Governor Haiveta and the people of Gulf for the confidence in him.
“I will make sure that I utilize my experience and skills sufficiently to keep my work remarkable whilst serving my term with the Gulf government,” Olkoben said.
Haiveta said that he was happy with the appointment of Olkoben who would manage the finances of Gulf.