The new Minister for National Planning & Monitoring, Richard Maru, was given a warm welcome by the management and staff of the Department of National Planning and its project units.
When welcoming the Minister, Department Secretary, Hakaua Harry, said the Department had over 180 staff members who are looking forward to his leadership.
Minister Maru said the Department of National Planning was the nerve-center of the country and reminded the staff that they had an enormous responsibility to plan well, implement these plans and delivery results.
This was an introductory meeting between the staff and the new Minister. Secretary Harry said the Alotau Accord II lists 5 action items that the Department is responsible for.
These are Population, Economic Growth, Informal Sector, Effective Planning and Management of the Economy, and establishment of the National Data Collection Centre.
Secretary said the Department has already commenced work on all these agenda. Minister Maru, in his usual no-nonsense fashion, made his expectations known and what he planned to do as the new Planning Minister going forward.
Minister Maru said he looked forward to restoring value back to the Department by ensuring results are achieved.
