Money from sale of tasks will go to accommodation

ONALENNA MODIKWA
Staff Writer | Monday June 7, 2010 00:00

 

The ministry's permanent secretary, Samuel Rathedi, has acknowledged that as a result of budget cuts due to the economic recession, office accommodation for all departments under his ministry is a major challenge.

Some departments were allocated funds to develop their plots, but because of the recession, the funds were frozen.  Addressing staff here last Thursday, Rathedi said the ministry was considering interventions like renting out portable cabins to relieve the situation.

'We are thinking of using money that was generated from the sale of elephant tasks in Kasane to help address the situation,' he said. The money involved amounts to P60 million.

Selebi-Phikwe staff had appealed to the permanent secretary to address them on the shortage of office accommodation that constrains them in their work.

On other issues, the ministry's Selebi-Phikwe staff complained of short notices on transfers, a practice they said was rife in the ministry.  They also spoke of increased trans-border migration of wildlife between Botswana and Zimbabwe. The problem was a difficult one to tackle because of manpower constraints that also made it difficult to get time off work.

Rathedi applauded the employees for their commitment to their work despite the challenges they encountered and acknowledged the other problems as presented.  Some of the money from the sale of elephant tasks would be used in the control of animal movement, he said.

Rathedi urged the staffers to acquaint themselves with the new Public Service Act that took effect last May.Rathedi appealed to them not to overlook their supervisors when they have complaints regarding promotions.

'While it is good to voice out your concerns, it is important to do it in a proper manner,' he said. 'I understand that in some instances, the problem lies with your supervisors who fail to give your cases the urgency they deserve.'

Rathedi cautioned them against temptation to be corrupt and reminded them that some of their colleagues were under investigation for corruption.