Govt announces cost-cutting measures

The Office of the Prime Minister has announced a number of cost-cutting measures for the public sector in line with its intention to cut spending on unnecessary expenditure. The administrative directive signed off by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila comes barely three days after President Hage Geingob banned political office-bearers from travelling outside the country this month. Subsequent to Geingob’s announcement, a number of cost-cutting measures have now been made public, with government limiting air travel in business class only for long-haul flights to qualifying officials. Permanent secretaries will now also have to get approval from the secretary to cabinet and line minister before going on official trips. “Travel abroad by a delegation should not exceed two staff members. Any delegation with more than two staff members requires special consideration by the secretary to cabinet in consultation with the minister,” read the directive. “If applicable, local and international travel by an individual staff member shall be capped, and shall not exceed two trips outside the country per year and three trips within the country. Exceptions shall be considered and approved by the permanent secretaries/accounting officers on merit.” According to the new measures, no office, ministry or government agency may buy new vehicles unless approved by the secretary to cabinet. “Government vehicles must be parked at 17:00 at the office or officially designated parking place. Assigning of vehicles for official use after hours to individual staff members shall only be done for essential services.” Permanent secretaries will now also have discretionary powers to determine the most suitable and economic rate for daily subsistence allowance for each official travel. “Permanent secretaries shall decide on whether to pay directly to the accommodation establishment or to the staff member, whichever is the most economical option.” Government has also announced that it will limit participation at trade fairs. “Participation by OMAs at various trade fairs should be restricted and limited to trade fairs adding significant value to the performance of the respective institution. Participation in trade fairs should be limited to staff members where the OMA has offices in those regions.”

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