Africa-Press – Malawi. Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services staff members have threatened to go on sit-in across the country over poor working conditions. The planned strike is expected to start on Monday, February 21, 2022 until their concerns are addressed.
One of the concerned staff members who confided in with The Maravi Post on Saturday evening, February 19, 2021 cited 62% vacancy rate which has put heavy workload on workers, lack of promotion and insufficient of funds to run daily routine work as reasons for sit-in. The inside source told The Maravi Post that despite management meeting on the raised issues on February 13, this year, nothing has been addressed.
“The department was mandated seek approval from Capital Hill to fill vacancies across the country during just ended fiscal year but nothing has happened. The vacancy rate is at 62% that there is heavy workload on us. Because of that staff members don’t go for holidays. What type of work condition without holidays is that?
“We are also running the institution by using our personal money meant for internet meant to analyze data for daily weather focus updates. This is because the last fiscal year resources were minimal and depleted before end of the year,” worried concerned staff member.
He hinted that the set sit-in will affect major airports across the country that weather updates will not be given to the general public. But when contacted Acting Director for the department Lucy Mtilatila on Sunday morning, February 20 sounded shocking that it was news for her on planned strike.
Though she acknowledged the management meeting with concerned staff members, could not answer more questions but rather cut the phone line. Seasonal forecast for 2021-2022 is generally, normal to above-normal rainfall amounts are expected over most parts of Malawi.
Since January this year, Malawi has been experiencing torrential rainfall coupled with storms including Moderate Tropical Ana that has devastated most southern region rendering people homeless
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