31 Jan 2013

The process for application for work permits is one area prone to corruption in the Department of Labour and Social Security, the department’s Anti-Corruption Coordinator, Mr Bruce Golebilwemang has said.

Mr Golebilwemang said in an interview during the department’s retreat held in Palapye on January 30 that the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) was investigating some allegations of corruption of work permits in the area .

He added that the police were also investigating incidents related to fraud in his department.

However, he did not reveal the number of cases investigated by DCEC and the police, saying the department was working round the clock to revive corruption prevention committees to uproot corruption.

Thus, he urged officers to shun corruption, warning them that corruption started with small items that people usually overlooked such as free meals and small gifts.

He said officers should be careful because the practice was a sweetening process that softened the receiver making them obliged to reciprocate the process and ultimately fall into the corruption trap without noticing it.

Commissioner of Labour, Ms Rose Sennanyana said the mandate of the department of Labour and Social Security was to ensure harmonious labour relations in the country by providing sufficient, effective and friendly services in dispute resolution, work permit processing, labour inspection and workers compensation.

Despite challenges such as inadequate resources, she said improvements have been made to re-engineer processes saying work permits were processed in 30 days from the initial 40 days.

Again, she explained that the Point Based System which effected in April last year was meant to facilitate flexible importation of skills and investment into the country.

She also urged officers to utilise the limited resources at their disposal to deliver on their mandate. The retreat was aimed at building a stronger and motivated team which will inspire subordinates to increase productivity. ENDS