Vice President Honourable Dr. Saulos Chilima on Wednesday gave an update on what has been achieved so far and what Government intends to achieve on public service reforms.
Addressing the media at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, Chilima emphasized that the reforms will not fail because the current administration wants the civil service to be effective and modern in running its affairs.
The Vice President bemoaned lack of financial resources in the civil service commission, a problem that persists in every sector of Malawi life.
“These reforms require a hefty financial budget. I am pleased to inform you that we have had a number of meetings with Development Partners who are supporting the reforms,” Chilima stated.
He pointed out Approval of reforms in Parastatals, Decentralisation of Passport printing at the department of Immigration, Decentralisation of Teachers’ salaries, turning Green Belt Initiative into a Holdings Limited Company, Fertilizer Subsidy Programme, Parliamentary Committee on Public Service Reforms and IFMIS Enhancement Upgrade among others as some of the reforms currently taking place.
Right Sizing of Government Positions was also one of the most critical areas which was the center of attraction, in his remarks, Chilima disclosed that currently there are 41 Principal Secretaries apart from other Heads of Government Institutions.
He said some Principal Secretaries have retired, some are yet to retire and others have been redeployed.
“In particular, these efforts have seen some ministries which had two or three PS’s now having one. For Instance, Secretary to the Vice President is also Secretary and Commissioner for Department of Disaster Management Affairs. The right sizing process will continue until the intended reform purpose is achieved,” Chilima explained.
He further commended the media for publishing positive stories on reforms saying, “On numerous occasions the media has carried out positive stories about reforms on front page and on the same goodwill they have criticized responsibly. The media is a legitimate stakeholder in reforms hence it will be consulted just like any other stakeholders.”
