Government faulted on public sector reforms
The government has been faulted for moving at a snail’s pace and failing to live up to its word in enforcing public sector reforms.
The observation follows a statement released by the Office of President and Cabinet (OPC) highlighting some of the strides that have been made since the launch of reforms two years ago.
In a statement signed by Chief Director of Public Sector Reforms, Seodi White, the government says it has made strides on the reforms, citing a recent publication of the World Bank’s doing business report which has rated Malawi highly for introducing policies that have made the country a favourable destination for doing business.
“According to the yearly publication of rankings, Malawi has moved 23 steps upward from position 133 to 110. These reforms relate largely to bureaucracy, such as how easy it is to obtain credit, register a business, getting [sic] an electricity and water connection among others. The positive register of Malawi move 23 steps [sic] is a result of government’s deliberate efforts to reform the business sector,” reads part of the statement.
However, Youth and Society Executive Director, Charles Kajoloweka, has faulted the government for failing to appoint people to public positions on merit.
“Through the reforms, the government promised to ensure public appointments are made on merit. Two years later, all we see are political party affiliated appointments. In the end, how will the reforms work if those driving the agenda are of the same feathers?” wondered Kajoloweka.
The statement also cites the unbundling of Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi and delinking of the University of Malawi (Unima) as some of the achievements of the public sector reforms.
“This is part of government reform agenda to restructure institutions to achieve efficiency, effectiveness and institutional growth. The unbundling or delinking of Unima will automatically increase the number of public universities in the country, encourage growth and greater independence on the part of the universities,” it reads
The reforms were early this year moved to the OPC from the office of the Vice President.
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