19 Jan 2015

  

  Minister of Justice, Defence and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi says speedy service delivery in Bobonong constituency is still a challenge leading to some developments not being carried out or not delivered within scheduled time

 

Addressing heads of departments from local and central government in Bobonong on January 16, Mr Kgathi said service delivery was a challenge because officers did not care to implement projects and programmes. 

 

He said there was an outcry from members of the public that they were not serviced accordingly and funds allocated to projects were returned due to delays, which had a negative impact on the economy. Mr Kgathi, also Bobonong MP told officers that in some instances funds allocated projects had to be returned due to poor project implementation and monitoring.

 

The MP warned officers of late coming, which he said was a serious concern and appealed to supervisors to exhibit leadership prowess to curb such conduct. Mr Kgathi informed them that the constituency was faced with a number of challenges that required committed workforce and was hopeful that they would improve and monitor progress.

 

On other issues, he appealed to public servants to acquaint themselves with laws and policies governing the civil servants that all should have information at hand to effectively assist the public. 

 

Mr Kgathi said there was a decline in service delivery especially at schools and appealed to teachers to protect their profession by producing quality results. He said teachers had issues with the employer but should not destroy the children’s future by not executing their duties.The minister also said government was concerned of high overtime pay, which had led to a high wage bill.

 

He, therefore, appealed to supervisors to monitor overtime. In spite of a high wage bill on public employees, he said government was committed to improving their conditions of services such as the introduction of interest free advance for employees on salary advance for officers on D4 scale and below, travel augmentation leave and introduction of Self Help Housing scheme to cover employees on D4 salary level. 

 

Also, he said government had increased the GEMVAS payment period from 10 years to 20 years. 

 

Furthermore, he informed officers of the Remote Area Settler Allowance (RASA) saying the notch system had been introduced, free internet where possible and transport at such settlements. Mr Kgathi also stated that General Order 39 had been reviewed to allow officers to engage in business, but should seek approval of their Permanent Secretary. He said they should not engage in businesses, which could result in conflict of interest.

 

However, officers complained of shortage of transport, which they said hindered service delivery. ENDS