IN June 2019, at the birth of a new Government under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape, Sasindran Muthuvel was asked to take on the State-Owned Enterprise portfolio in the new cabinet and drive the SOE reform program.
At the time, Governor Muthuvel was committed to several projects across West New Britain (WNB), but after consultation with his family, people, and Presidents – he agreed to accept the Ministry and serve the Prime Minister and country at the national level for the first time. As a result, Talasea MP, Francis Maneke was appointed as Governor of West New Britain, by the provincial assembly.
After two years as Governor, Maneke has resigned citing a desire to focus more on his people and electorate of Talasea. He feels strongly that he courageously served the people of West New Britain, despite the challenges to the economy and the impact on the people’s welfare from the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic.
With the vacancy in the office of Governor, Mr Muthuvel was unanimously elected by the provincial assembly on Wednesday (September 22). He wasted no time getting back to work; calling for all senior Provincial Public Servants to immediately provide him with a ‘situation report’. With escalating law and order issues, an overwhelmed police force, a decline in utilities such as power, and failing health services, there is much work to be done to restore West New Britain to its former glory.
Governor Muthuvel said, “I have already had discussions with both the Minister for Police and the Commissioner to immediately take steps to restore law and order in the province. We will be increasing our available manpower; we will be rebuilding and equipping police stations and barracks, including the Kimbe HQ and we will be recommencing the Reserve Police Program and Community Engagement.”
“We will continue to work with PNG Power to restore stability to the network including new power generation sets and rehabilitating transmission and distribution. I will ensure that we prioritise provincial funding allocations for projects focused on our citizens’ health, hygiene and wellness,” announced Governor Muthuvel.
Provincial projects including the Kimbe Market restoration and the standalone rural solar power projects will continue. Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks on projects that will help West New Britain get back on its feet.
Governor Muthuvel thanked the Member for Talasea for his efforts over the last 2 years. He said the leadership provided by Mr Maneke was invaluable and necessary for the province to function.
He also thanked Prime Minister Marape for his guidance, leadership and the support of members of the government. He also thanked his wife, children and family for their continued courage and strength, recognizing that they have sacrificed much to support his desire to serve the people of West New Britain and Papua New Guinea.
