21 Jun 2013

Many people living in rural areas are either ignorant or have a little understanding about office of the Ombudsman, deputy ombudsman, Mr William Montsho has said.

As a result, the office found it imperative to embark on a public education exercise in order to raise awareness of some of the services provided by the “public protector” as their efforts were of great benefit to the public.

Speaking during a public education meeting at Middlepits in Kgalagadi District , Mr Montsho said recent studies that his office undertook indicated that only 65 per cent of urban population knew about the existence of their two main offices, which were based in Gaborone and Francistown while only 35 per cent of the rural population was aware of their services.

While giving a brief background of his office, Mr Montsho stated that the office of the Ombudsman was established by an act of Parliament in 1995 and became operational in 1997. Establishment of the public protector was premised on the rife complaints of corruption and maladministration in certain governmental organs.

He cited instances where certain officers by virtue of their positions influenced decisions to favour their causes such as being awarded plots without following proper procedures. He explained that his office investigates issues of maladministration between the public, government organs and the parastastals but not private entities.

The deputy ombudsman said his office was independent, adding that they investigated issues such as incompetency in the workplace, delay of services by administrators, negligence of customers by a public officer in charge, ignorance of the rights of insubordinate by top hierarchy, racial discrimination as well as the failure to adhere to conditions of employment of the complaining employee.

And when addressing Tsabong residents, Mr Montsho said most common cases reported at his office involved public servants complaining about poor working conditions, amongst other things. He also revealed that of recent his office, had been addressing unfairness of scarce skills allowance in organisations, which offered the package.

He pointed out that his office was not too concerned with punitive actions over correctional measures. The residents appealed to the ombudsman office to establish an office in their locality where they could best utilise its services unlike having to travel to Gaborone.

Responding to their plea, Mr Montsho said they planned to have four more offices countrywide and Tsabong being one of the earmarked spots though their efforts were hampered by shortage of funds. ENDS