PPL queries Tangit’s job

 PNG Power Ltd chairman Larry Andagali is wondering why it is taking long to complete the report on investigation into suspended chief executive officer John Tangit.

He gave an update on the prolonged suspension of Tangit since last July as well as the “expensive” investigation carried out by Australian company Kordamenta.

 Tangit was suspended by PPL executive director John Mangos on Friday, July 31, 2015, over a question raised in Parliament two days earlier by Angoram MP Salio Waipo about rural electrification in East Sepik.

The project is a 90km high-voltage distribution line from Wewak to Angoram to enhance the Sepik grid.

Waipo later said he had no intention of getting Tangit suspended when he asked the question.

 “PNG Power Ltd executive-director John Mangos should have checked to ensure his actions regarding the suspension of the CEO were justified, instead of ignorantly suspending him (Tangit), which is not healthy for the survival and operation of the State-owned entity,” Andagali said.

He told The National that Tangit’s suspension had been long and called on Kumul Consolidated Holdings managing director Garry Hersey to make the report public.

“It (Tangit’s suspension) was brought about by politics,” he said.

“We were forced into a situation where we had no choice. 

“We had to sideline him and he’s still under suspension. 

“I have requested Garry Hersey, who is the (KCH) managing director and also a director of PPL, and Dr (Clement) Waine, the Secretary of Public Enterprises, to give us this report. 

“Kordamenta, very expensive consultants, were engaged to do this report, and to date, they have not given me a copy of the report or their recommendations and findings. 

“We have a board meeting on the 22nd of this month and I expect Kumul Consolidated Holdings to table that report and then we can make a decision accordingly. 

“In the first instance, we’ll ask John Tangit to respond to those allegations, so that he will be given natural justice. 

“Then the board will make a decision accordingly. 

“I’m concerned all along. I’ve been in contact with John Tangit that it’s really something beyond my control. I cannot act until I get the report. He’s basically on an extended suspension on full salary.”

Andagali said there was total chaos and confusion in the organisation without a proper chief executive officer in place.

Andagali said two expatriate managers had resigned after receiving threats on their lives.

They were identified as chief operating officer Kevin Molloney and general manager human resources Edmond Lancaster.

Meanwhile, PPL faces another crisis with the sacking of PNG Energy Workers’ Association president Eddie Gisa last Friday after getting orders from acting chief executive officer John Yanis.