WINDHOEK- The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Bernhard Esau, has encouraged his staff to ensure that all capital projects are implemented as planned to avoid “the practice of returning funds to Treasury”.
“We must move away from this practice of returning funds to fiscus. This practice not only puts severe pressure on the ministry to motivate for the next budget but it has equally very high downside effects on development,” said Esau during the ministry’s annual staff meeting yesterday.
For the 2014/15 financial year, the ministry was allocated N$368.7 million from the national budget. Against this, the minister has appealed to all staff members who serve on the capital project committee to fast track the implementation of capital projects within any given budget year.
“As a ministry, we can no longer afford to return funds to fiscus. The coming months will be busy times for us all. Parliament will start debating our national budget. This will draw much attention, generally, to the work of our government and in particular that of the individual ministries including our own. In light of this and given the limited resources at our disposal with which we are expected to meet the needs of our people, we must remain prudent in what we do and work towards maintaining fiscal equilibrium at all times. Our financial challenges are manageable and I am optimistic that we can stay on this trajectory if we can apply good management and control of our limited resources,” he urged.
Esau also reminded staff members to adhere to the public service employment conditions at all times such as working hours, and annual and sick leave. “No one must leave work without approval. Failing to do so will be dealt with in line with relevant guidelines. Let us meet our targets as planned and comply with deadlines in terms of submissions either within our ministry or inter-ministerial or other agency or organisation. In 2014, let us avoid the last-minute rush,” he encouraged.
By Albertina Nakale