MINISTER for Rural and Economic Development Joseph Lelang says he will keep politics away from agencies that come under his ministry.
Lelang made the statement during his recent ministerial visit to the National Economic and Fiscal Commission Office (NEFC) at Kumul Haus in Waigani, Port Moresby.
He was welcomed by NEFC chairman and chief executive officer Patrick Kennedy Painap, his management team and NEFC staff.
“As a former public servant, I’m very attuned to the kind of work environment that we work in and I can reassure you that I will not politicise this agency as others usually do, but I will deal direct only with the chairman and chief executive officer, and his management,” Lelang said.
“I just want you to work in a professional work environment, a professional setting that is free from politics so that you go home, sleep well, come to work and you are happy with what you are doing, and you continue to grow with the organisation.
“But I want you all to station with me in one office – the National Economic and Fiscal Commission, ICCC, Sovereign Wealth Fund, Department of Implementation and Rural Development, the Insurance Commission, the Savings and Loans Society, and others.
“I’m looking forward to working with all of you. I’m happy to be part of you all.”
Lelang said by looking at all the agencies together that come under his ministry, he was working with the people.
“We try to improve and address many constraints so that we address these things, and our people can get the best service possible.
“What programmes the Government gives or provides, must achieve maximum impact on the lives of our people.
“I have tasked my officers to secure an office space so we can work together as a ministry in delivering service to our people. I’m looking forward to that.”
Lelang reassured NEFC staff that he had taken note of the issues NEFC was faced with, highlighted by Painap.
“First thing, we can do now is to look at legislation to change the NEFC reporting arrangement from reporting to the treasurer back to me as your new minister responsible and then everything else will flow from there,” he said.
“The Government now wants NEFC to come out and perform its mandated duties and that is the reason I’m being appointed as the minister responsible so I can have direct contact with you.”
