FISHERIES minister Bernhard Esau said they are still consulting stakeholders in regard to the development of a new policy on quota allocation.
Esau was speaking at the annual staff meeting held in Windhoek yesterday.
“This matter is still under consultation at an official level. As soon as the officials are through with consultations – in fact tomorrow – I will be briefed the whole morning on this matter and you will be informed accordingly.
“We are only one month into the season. We have given a provisional quota to keep going. But I have been informed that because of the strike, the catching process is going slow. We will inform you on what the actual process might be in allocating quotas, because all must know why that person got the quota or whether they have empowered anyone,” he said.
last year reported that the ministry had started a process to determine a new mechanism for allocating fishing quotas to all right holders by January this year. The policy would predetermine any right holder’s quota based on performance.
Esau also spoke on how staff members should not expect to be given S&Ts due to the fact that government is short on money.
“As you are aware, we have limited resources at our disposal with which we are expected to meet infinite needs of our people. We must remain prudent in what we do and work towards maintaining a fiscal equilibrium at all times,” said Esau.
He said the ministry must ensure that all capital projects are implemented as planned and approved and that the ministry should also move away from the practice of returning funds to the fiscus.
“This practice only puts pressure on the ministry to motivate for our next budget but it has equally very high side effects on development, I therefore urge our capital project committee to fast-tract the implementation of capital projects,” he said.
He also encouraged the staff members to take the culture of consultation seriously and to avoid making decisions in isolation.
“Let us consult on all matters or issues of common interest and embrace the culture of team effort. Do not entangle yourself in autocratic decision making and let us be inclusive,” he said.
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