Pohamba takes aim at Government bureaucracy

PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba yesterday gave senior Government officials a tongue-lashing for the bureaucratic delays that hamper the implementation of capital projects.

Pohamba said bureaucratic bungling resulted in funds allocated for capital projects not being used and being sent back to Treasury. The President told the senior officials that they should strive for an implementation rate of at least 70 per cent on Government programmes.”Managers will thus be held directly accountable for the implementation of programmes and projects,” Pohamba said.The President met senior Government officials for a brainstorming session on how public servants could improve their work and deliver the required services in an effective manner.At the same time, Pohamba warned the senior managers to follow established procedures for orderly, predictable and fair management.”We should not allow these to slow down the achievement of our stated objectives,” he emphasised.Pohamba said there was a need for public servants to become more attuned to the needs of the nation.”Some progress has been made.However, more needs to be done in order to inculcate the values of diligence, honesty, hard work and fiscal discipline in the wider civil service,” Pohamba said.He called for a new mindset which includes a change in work ethics, discipline, fiscal discipline and commitment.”Improving service delivery also means improving the way we do business with our service partners,” he said.Too often, service providers to Government had to wait up to three months for payment for work done.”This delay in payment negatively affects our dealings with service providers.In many instances, it has resulted in the suspension of vital services to Government departments,” he said.Therefore, the President suggested that those who provide a professional service to the Government be treated in a courteous manner.The President told the senior officials that they should strive for an implementation rate of at least 70 per cent on Government programmes.”Managers will thus be held directly accountable for the implementation of programmes and projects,” Pohamba said.The President met senior Government officials for a brainstorming session on how public servants could improve their work and deliver the required services in an effective manner.At the same time, Pohamba warned the senior managers to follow established procedures for orderly, predictable and fair management.”We should not allow these to slow down the achievement of our stated objectives,” he emphasised.Pohamba said there was a need for public servants to become more attuned to the needs of the nation. “Some progress has been made.However, more needs to be done in order to inculcate the values of diligence, honesty, hard work and fiscal discipline in the wider civil service,” Pohamba said.He called for a new mindset which includes a change in work ethics, discipline, fiscal discipline and commitment.”Improving service delivery also means improving the way we do business with our service partners,” he said.Too often, service providers to Government had to wait up to three months for payment for work done.”This delay in payment negatively affects our dealings with service providers.In many instances, it has resulted in the suspension of vital services to Government departments,” he said.Therefore, the President suggested that those who provide a professional service to the Government be treated in a courteous manner.