23 Mar 2017

Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry has 29 vacant posts against an establishment of 792, Parliament was told.

Responding to a parliamentary question on Wednesday, Assistant Minister Biggie Butale said out of the 29 vacancies, three have been filled but candidates have not yet taken up offers.

He mentioned that recruitment process for 10 posts is already at advanced stage and are expected to have been filled by March 31, 2017.

Mr Butale further stated that the total number of temporary employees engaged in his ministry is 44.

He stated that some of the challenges that cause delay in filling those vacant posts are that some officers who were transferred on promotion declined to take up offers.

The assistant minister also explained that sometimes, officers delay reporting to their new duty stations where posts are tenable due to varying reasons.

He also said in some instances, officers eligible for elevation to those positions lack the requisite skills and competencies, adding that sometimes it is difficult to get the right candidates, resulting in advertising and re-advertising those posts, which takes time.

Specially Elected Member of Parliament, Mr Mephato Reatile had asked the minister to state the total number of vacancy posts in his ministry and to provide the breakdown by departments and districts.

MP Mephato further wanted to know the challenges that cause delay in filling those vacant posts and thenumber of temporary employees engaged to acquire experience. ENDS