Reinstated Community Development Department Secretary Joesph Klapat locked out

REINSTATED Community Development Department Secretary Joesph Klapat has been blocked from occupying the office by Anna Solomon who has been acting in the position.

Klapat said yesterday Solomon was standing by the National Executive Council decision to appoint her as acting secretary and had refused to vacate the office.

The National Court ruled last Friday, March 21, that the Government decision 26 months ago to oust Klapat was illegal, null and void. It ordered that Klapat resume duties as secretary from last Friday.

“We are ready to work and we will move into office once Solomon vacates it,” he said.

Klapat said he would wait for Solomon to vacate the office in an orderly manner rather than resorting to confrontation.

Klapat said his lawyer had been advised to file court documents setting aside the NEC decision to appoint Solomon as the acting secretary.

He said in case Solomon remained in the office, the lawyers will file proceedings for contempt of court.

The row over the position lasting 26 months had created confusion in the department, according to a senior officer.

He said staff morale was at its lowest because of the lack of coordination between the management and the workers.

“We come to the office in the morning and sit around doing nothing then go home in the afternoon,” he said.

He said Solomon should obey the court order and make way for Klapat. PNG Today/ The National