TUN concerned about cost-cutting
The Teacher's Union of Namibia (TUN) has expressed concern about the cost-cutting measures introduced in the public service.
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila recently announced a number of cost-cutting measures for the public sector.
The directive sought to establish expenditure control systems and to gradually reduce personnel expenses, such as subsistence and travel allowances and overtime payment, over the next three financial years.
It further ordered significant cutbacks in telephone and transport expenses and encouraged government offices to work together to eliminate unnecessary duplication of activities and expenses.
According to TUN secretary-general Mahongora Kavihuha, the union wrote a letter to Kuugongelwa-Amadhila expressing concern about these measures.
One of these concerns was that the determination of subsistence allowances would be left to the discretion of permanent secretaries and accounting officers.
Furthermore the union was concerned about the management of leave applications. It requested clarity regarding a reference made in the directive about leave applications that must be “supported by evidence” and that staff members going on leave must “make arrangements”.
Kavihuha said the union was also upset about “insensitive behaviour” regarding concerns raised by teachers through TUN and the “disrespect” shown to the Public Service Commission.
“The union appreciates the efforts of the government in trying to address the economic situation of the country by introducing various interventions such as making the public service efficient and cost cutting, however TUN still maintains its stand that cuts should not affect education and health,” he said.
According to him the union wants Kuugongelwa-Amadhila to take action against senior government officials who violate the rules in the same way that junior officials are treated.
ELLANIE SMIT
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila recently announced a number of cost-cutting measures for the public sector.
The directive sought to establish expenditure control systems and to gradually reduce personnel expenses, such as subsistence and travel allowances and overtime payment, over the next three financial years.
It further ordered significant cutbacks in telephone and transport expenses and encouraged government offices to work together to eliminate unnecessary duplication of activities and expenses.
According to TUN secretary-general Mahongora Kavihuha, the union wrote a letter to Kuugongelwa-Amadhila expressing concern about these measures.
One of these concerns was that the determination of subsistence allowances would be left to the discretion of permanent secretaries and accounting officers.
Furthermore the union was concerned about the management of leave applications. It requested clarity regarding a reference made in the directive about leave applications that must be “supported by evidence” and that staff members going on leave must “make arrangements”.
Kavihuha said the union was also upset about “insensitive behaviour” regarding concerns raised by teachers through TUN and the “disrespect” shown to the Public Service Commission.
“The union appreciates the efforts of the government in trying to address the economic situation of the country by introducing various interventions such as making the public service efficient and cost cutting, however TUN still maintains its stand that cuts should not affect education and health,” he said.
According to him the union wants Kuugongelwa-Amadhila to take action against senior government officials who violate the rules in the same way that junior officials are treated.
ELLANIE SMIT
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