SWAKOPMUND – The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration is expecting an increase in applications for identification documents ahead of the 2014 general and presidential elections.

Home Affairs Minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana made the passing comments during the official opening of a five-day budget management planning retreat that started yesterday in Swakopmund. The workshop brought together about 20 ministry officials to develop the 2014/2015 and 2016/2017 ministerial budgets. Iivula-Ithana said the ministry has introduced the strategy retreats with a view to improving fiscal management. “A budget will show how much the ministry can spend against what has been allocated.  It helps to guide us as to how we can allocate for different activities as per the annual plan and also to assist the ministry to prioritize and spend money on more important activities,” she said. The minister once again highlighted the need to improve customer care, staff attitudes, and the provision of credible services at home affairs offices in the country.

“As you are all aware, concerns have been raised in the media about our staff members’ attitudes toward the public.  I urge you to ensure that staff development is catered for in the budget and those staff members who make themselves guilty of unethical behaviour are identified and dealt with accordingly. We must refine and streamline our service delivery through a robust turnaround strategy aimed at promoting efficiency and effectiveness. You should make sure that activities are properly budgeted for and once allocation is approved resources placed in each division are optimally utilised to achieve the intended targets,” the minister said.

 

By Eveline de Klerk