By JACKSON MAPAPAYI
CADRES appointed to key civil service positions compromise service delivery, a civil society organisation in Solwezi, Kwatu Voice, has observed.
Kwatu Voice cordinator Oliver Chilefu stated that whilst the individuals could be qualified for such a position, the fact that they belonged to a political party, it became a challenge to execute their duties exceptionally.
He said once the civil service becomes too political, service delivery is always compromised.
“The stance for the organisation still remains the same, that positions such as permanent secretaries should be given to individuals who are neutral in terms of political alienation because the civil service should not be political as this can result in compromised service delivery,” said MrChilefu.
Mr Chilefu’s comments follows the appointment of Colonel Grandson Katambi and Ms Naomi Tetamashimba as Permanent Secretary and Deputy Permanent Secretary for North-Western Province respectively.
Prior to their appointments, the duo have been provincial chairperson and vice chairlady for administration for the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) for the region.
Mr Chilefu said there must be a proper way and mechanism of ensuring that individuals appointed are rising in the rank and file of the civil service and not political cadres.
“The best the appointing authority could have done is that especially that some individuals appointed have political ambitions, they could have been moved to a different province so that they serve in that province where they would be considered as neutral as compared to keeping them in the same province. Those are some of the fears that we have as an organisation,” he said.
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