Usino/Bundi district gets new finance manager

The Usino/ Bundi District Development Authority has welcomed a new era in its financial administration, following the formal handover/ takeover of the District Finance Manager's position.

The change brings to the end two decades of service by outgoing DFM Samuel Abel.

The official ceremony, held at the District Office in Walium, saw Mr Abel formally hand over the responsibilities to his successor, Helen Kavo, who brings more than 30 years of professional experience in the finance sector.

The transition was witnessed by Deputy Secretary of the Department of Finance's Sub-national Division, Gabi Kila, who travelled from Port Moresby, District Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Johnson Wai, district management, finance and administration officers, Local Level Government representatives and other invited stakeholders.

The ceremony recognised Mr Abel's longstanding contribution to the district's financial administration while formally welcoming Ms Kavo to take on the important responsibility of overseeing the district's financial operations.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Kila highlighted the importance of teamwork and institutional continuity in public administration and acknowledged Mr Abel for his commitment, dedication, and years of service to the people of Usino, Bundi, and Gama in the area of public finance.

Mr Kila also extended his best wishes to Ms Kavo, as she assumes the responsibilities of the district's new Finance Manager.

In his farewell remarks, Mr Abel expressed sincere appreciation to the Member for Usino Bundi, Vincent Kumura, the District Administration, colleagues, stakeholders and the people of the district for their support and cooperation throughout his more than 20 years of service.

He acknowledged that his time in the district finance office had been strengthened by teamwork, professional relationships, and the collective commitment of officers and stakeholders towards advancing the district's development aspirations.

Welcoming his successor, he wished Ms Kavo well as she takes responsibility for leading the Finance Division, expressing confidence in her ability to continue the work of strengthening the district's financial administration.

Incoming District Finance Manager, Ms Kavo expressed gratitude to the Department of Finance, PNG Treasury, the District Administration, and all stakeholders who contributed to a smooth transition.

Transferred from Port Moresby, Ms Kavo brings more than 30 years of professional experience in the finance sector to her new role.

She specifically acknowledged Mr. Abel for his cooperation and support during the transition, recognising the importance of a proper handover in ensuring continuity in the district's financial administration.

Her appointment comes at an important time when effective financial management, accountabilit, and coordination are critical to supporting government-funded programmes and development activities throughout the district.

Delivering the keynote address, District Administrator and CEO Johnson Wai emphasised that the handover/ takeover was more than a routine administrative exercise, describing it as an essential accountability process to safeguard public resources and maintain institutional continuity.

Mr Wai acknowledged Mr Abel's more than 20 years of service, particularly his contribution to managing government grants, maintaining financial records, supporting financial reporting and acquittals, and providing financial guidance to the district and its three Local Level Governments.

He challenged the incoming Finance Manager to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, financial discipline, and compliance with the Public Finance Management framework.

Mr Wai stressed that the Finance Division must be an enabler of development and service delivery rather than an administrative obstacle to progress.

"Finance is not there to block development. Finance is there to enable development within the rules. We must ensure that public funds are properly managed while allowing essential services and development projects to reach our people," Mr Wai said.

He further encouraged Ms Kavo to strengthen the capacity of district and LLG finance personnel through mentoring, teamwork, and improved financial management systems.

The CEO assured her of the full support and cooperation of the District Administration and management team as she takes up her new responsibilities.

As part of the official transition, both officers undertook the formal transfer and verification of essential financial and administrative records.

These included bank statements, cashbooks, outstanding financial commitments, acquittals, asset registers, audit reports, payment records, office keys, and relevant financial system access.

Meanwhile, the office of the local MP also acknowledged Mr Abel's valuable contributions and more than 20 years of dedicated service to the district.

The leadership transition highlights the importance of continuity in public administration, where individual responsibilities may change, but the obligation to manage public resources responsibly and serve communities remains constant.

As Usino Bundi Gama advances its development agenda, the District Administration and Finance Division will be expected to maintain close collaboration to ensure that public funds are managed in accordance with established financial regulations and that development priorities receive the necessary financial support.