21 Aug 2025

 Employees of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure have been encouraged to remain committed to their work despite the ongoing financial constraints affecting government operations.

Speaking during consultative engagements with the ministry staff in Kang recently, Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Mr Keoagile Atamelang acknowledged the difficult fiscal environment but reassured the employees that government was working actively to address the situation.

“We are doing everything we can to stabilise the finances. Your continued dedication, even during these tough times, is both appreciated and essential,” he said.

The assistant minister further noted that one of the key objectives of his tour was to identify gaps in the current planning process ahead of the public rollout of the upcoming National Development Plan (NDP).

“Before the NDP is implemented, it is important that we address any shortcomings and ensure the planning is thorough and inclusive,” he stated.

Mr Atamelang applauded the staff for their resilience and commendable performance under the challenging circumstances.

“Your dedication does not go unnoticed. Keep up the good work, and know that better days are ahead,” he concluded.

As part of his nationwide infrastructure assessment, Mr Atamelang also toured key gravel roads connecting settlements such as Zutshwa, Monong, Maake, and Ukhwi in an effort to gather first-hand information about infrastructure needs in the area.

Senior human resources manager from the ministry, Ms Lebang Lerothodi, echoed the minister’s sentiments and issued a strong warning against corruption. Ms Lerothodi advised that corruption did not only damage the nation, but that it also affects families hence the need for members of staff to uphold integrity in the execution of their duties.

Officers took the opportunity to voice their grievances over ongoing challenges affecting their daily work life. Amongst the key concerns raised were prolonged overstays, poor management, unpaid or excessive overtime, and inadequate accommodation arrangements.

Employees described the situation as unsustainable, noting that such issues have negatively impacted morale and productivity within their departments. A ministry employee, Mr Othusitse Hamate said while they were committed to serving the country, they felt they were being stretched beyond reasonable limits as most of them had overstayed in the district.

“Some of us have been here far longer than our assigned rotations without proper support or clarity,” Mr Hamate said.

The issue of poor management and communication was highlighted as a recurring problem, with staff calling for improved leadership, transparency in deployment procedures, and better planning to avoid extended field postings without relief. Accommodation was also cited as a serious concern, with reports of substandard living conditions and lack of proper support for employees stationed in remote areas. ENDS