By DALCY LULUA
IN a small but significant swearing-in ceremony last Thursday, new board members of the National Procurement Commission (NPC) took their oaths.
Secretary for the Department of Finance Mr. Elias Penias was sworn in as the new Board Chairman of NPC.
Other board member include, Secretary for Department of Works and Highways Mr David Wereh, State Solicitor Mr Daniel Rolpagarea, Independent Member Mr Mosley Elly, representative of the Engineers in PNG, Mrs Edea Bouraga, representative of Accountants Mr James Popo Gore and representative of Civil Society and Churches Reverend Roger Joseph.
The board members took their oaths to faithfully fulfil their duties as employees in the public service of National Procurement Commission Board.
NPC Acting Chief Executive Officer Joe Sapa said it was timely for the new board to be appointed as NPC was without a board for almost three months.
Minister for Finance and National Planning Renbo Paita congratulated the new board members.
“Just by looking at your credentials, I think it’s one of the best board members we’ve ever appointed,” he said.
“Board members, you have sworn the oaths to the office that you are going to hold now.
“There’s going to be challenges and I wish you all the best.
“If I continue as your portfolio minister, I will continue to provide the best support I can at the political level and you deal at the board level.”
Minister Paita highlighted that the government this year passed the budget of K27billion.
“I think 39.8% of that is from capital works which means it will come directly under your (NPC board) supervision.
“You’ve taken an oath, remember your oath, it’s like a wedding ceremony, you are married now and must stick to your vows,” he said.
“I look forward to working with all of you.
“We have a lot of work to do, a lot of challenges, and a lot of pressure will come particularly from my level in the politics.”
Caption: The NPC board members that were sworn-in last Thursday in Port Moresby. – Picture by DALCY LULUA
