The Cabinet has appointed Andrew Oeaka as the acting secretary for Treasury Department, according to Government sources.

They declined to provide further details on this. However, the Treasury Minister or the Prime Minister is expected to make an official announcement soon.

It is understood the acting appointment was made to cater for the vacancy created when Dairi Vele was reported in local media as sacked.

Previously, whilst defending the sacking, Prime Minister James Marape-in a press statement-clarified that the former secretary was not sacked but re-deployed to a new role.

PM Marape said Vele was appointed as a full-time chairman for major State Negotiation Team. The team is handling the P’nyang Gas Agreement, re-opening of the Porgera Gold Mine and other projects in the pipeline

Marape commended Vele for having served the department and the country with honor and distinction.

“We have been fortunate to have someone of his calibre and experience to undertake this work.

“Mr Vele will report directly to me as prime minister dealing with all major national projects in mining, petroleum as well as other large foreign investments.

“All department heads and development partners are now advised on this appointment and overarching mandate.

“I want our people and businesses to know that we, the Marape Government, have risen to many challenges that face us as a nation.

“We, as a country, are fighting not only at the frontline of the health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic but also the economic effects on us as part of the global economy.

“For Papua New Guinea, the COVID-19 crisis has intensified our financial challenges and dampened economic prospects.

“There is a unique opportunity for government to successfully lead Papua New Guinea’s future development,” said PM Marape on Post Courier.