Public Utilities Minister, Marvin Gonzales, has confirmed to Power 102 Digital that WASA is seeking legal advice regarding the possible employment conflict issue with THA Deputy Chief Secretary Watson Duke.
Duke, a WASA employee, has retained his post as PSA President despite winning the Roxborough seat in the THA elections and being appointed THA Deputy Chief Secretary.
Rather than resign the PSA Presidency, Duke relinquished his salary and is said to be working on an interim exit plan.
Minister Gonzales, a former public servant himself, speaking last night on TV6, explained the conflict.
Duke’s decision has described as contrary to both the PSA constitution and the Public Service Act as neither post allows for such an interim arrangement.
Minister Gonzales told Power 102 Digital this morning that the situation is presently being looked into by the Board and Executive Management at WASA.
Speculation has abounded over Duke’s reason for not immediately resigning his PSA post.
Former PSA General Secretary, Oral Saunders, last week told Power 102 Digital that there are suspicions that Duke’s decision to stay on may have been influenced by a recent audit, the results of which were reported to the TTPS’ Fraud Squad.
Saunders claimed that the results are said to be damning and allegedly point to questionable procurement practices, $6.3 million in overspending, and an unusually high frequency of reimbursements to Duke.
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