Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) has issued out a statement to provide clarification regarding the termination and subsequent “reinstatement” of Mr. Alfred Rungol, who was terminated in 2022. William Lakain Acting Managing Director for CCDA clarified that in 2022, the CCDA terminated the employment of Mr. Rungol, a senior staff member, following a comprehensive review of a number of serious disciplinary matters by CCDA's Internal Disciplinary Committee. Mr. Lakain stated that the decision to terminate was reached following due process and in accordance with the terms and conditions of his employment contract. The following are the series of serious offences committed by Mr. Rungol which breached the conditions of his employment contract: 1. Swearing and Harassment of several CCDA senior female employees. 2. Fighting with one of his immediate subordinates at the CCDA premises whilst under the influence of alcohol in view of other staff and development partners. 3. Totally wrecked a CCDA hired vehicle, whilst on official duty travel, which cost CCDA K 345,000.00 to repair. 4. Causing disharmony and suppression within his Division and amongst other senior and General staff of CCDA. Note that Mr. Rungol was terminated not because he was a “whistle blower,” but as a consequence of breaching the conditions of his employment contract. Thus, CCDA management would like to inform valued stakeholders and the general public of the miss-information that was circulated through various media platforms. Following his termination, Mr. Rungol took the matter to the National Court, challenging the validity of the CCDA’s decision.The National Court, in its judgment, determined that the CCDA had acted according to law to terminate Mr. Rungol. These proceedings are styled OS 41 of 2023 and OS No. 270 of 2022 and are available on PacLII website at www.paclii.org. Briefly, in OS 41 of 2023, it was decided by the Court that the decision to terminate Mr. Rungol, following CCDA’s internal disciplinary processes, still stands. In OS 270 of 2022, which Mr. Rungol himself initiated, he sought relief from the Court, (1) Affirming that the decision of DPM, is final, (2) Orders for Mr. William Lakain, to implement the decision of the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) to allow him to resume his substantive position, and (3) Prevention of Mr. Lakain and his servants from interfering with the smooth transition of him back to his substantive position in the CCDA, was dismissed with costs to be met by Mr. Rungol. Furthermore, the Office of the State Solicitor upon reviewing his termination and the processes invoked to terminate him, was satisfied with the process and advised that the termination was done correctly and is in order. However, it has come to CCDA’s attention that Mr. Rungol has provided misinformation to the Department of Personnel Management, on these cases, leading to his unlawful “reinstatement” despite the Court's ruling. Mr. Lakain added that CCDA respects the legal process, and the authority of the National Court, thereby emphasizing that we as an organization remain committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of our operations. “Our disciplinary procedures are designed to ensure fairness and impartiality, and the decision to terminate Mr. Rungol was made after careful consideration of the facts, given the recent developments and potential miscommunication, CCDA is working closely with relevant authorities to address this matter.” “We are committed to resolving this situation in a manner that is consistent with the law, respects due process, and upholds the integrity of our internal disciplinary procedures,” said Mr. Lakain. Lakain further added that CCDA understands that this situation may raise questions and concerns among the stakeholders, and CCDA wants to assure them that CCDA continues to prioritize the welfare of its employees, its interests and the values that guide its work for the collective good for the country. CCDA welcomes the Court’s decision on the matter and would like to advise its stakeholders and general public that CCDA still maintains its position on Mr. Rungol’s termination. “Mr. Rungol is at liberty to seek redress from the Courts, should he wish to.”