Row over position in Education district

 THERE is confusion over who is the district education officer in the North Waghi in Jiwaka.

Newly-appointed district education officer Brendon Kapal said the office was still occupied by Ricky Tetepo.

Kapal, a former teacher, was appointed by the Jiwaka provincial administration after he applied for the position when it was advertised.

But Tetepo said Kapal’s appointment was flawed because proper procedures were not followed. He wants the provincial administration to review the appointment. 

Kapal said many teachers were concerned because the academic year had already started and wanted the provincial and national education authorities to resolve the issue.

Kapal said he resigned from his teaching job with the Teaching Service Commission to take up his new post with the Public Service Commission. Kalap said he had been teaching for more than 30 years and wanted to continue serving the district and province. 

“I want authorities to come up with a solution since this has really affected teachers, my family, myself, and the former officer (Tetepo) who is a friend of mine,” he said. 

Attempts to reach Erwin Us, the education programme manager in Jiwaka for a comment were unsuccessful.