Wate heads SIPA
MICHAEL Wate has begun his new posting as Solomon Islands Ports Authority’s (SIPA) interim chief executive officer, Wednesday.
Mr Wate, an economist by profession, is the deputy general manager of National Provident Fund (NPF).
He will be with SIPA for three months while the SIPA board advertises the top job.
“….yes Mr Wate has taken up duties Wednesday this week,” a SIPA board member told the Solomon Star yesterday.
“NPF board has released him on unpaid leave for three months to sort out the mess at SIPA,” the board member added.
“During the three month period, the SIPA board is expected to find a new CEO for the authority.
“This arrangement was agreed to by both the NPF and SIPA boards.
“During the three months, SIPA will take care of his salary.
“After that, he’ll return and resume his job with NPF.”
Attempts to speak to Mr Wate yesterday proved futile.
This arrangement came after the High Court decision the previous Friday validating the sacking of former SIPA CEO Colin Yow.
Mr Wate is expected to overseer and normalise the situation within SIPA following the drama Mr Yow caused with his decision to get SIPA to sell rice, noodle, and to engage in air transportation.
The SIPA board, chaired by former attorney general Billy Titiulu, wanted Mr Wate as interim CEO because of his neutral stand.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
