Africa-Press – Namibia. The remuneration of civil servants has consumed the government’s N$2.8 billion during the last financial year, despite criticism of service delivery. This high expenditure is attributed to the salary increase received during the last financial year.
The salary adjustments include a 5% increase in the basic salary for grades 13 to one, a 20% increase in the housing allowance for non-management staff, a 20% increase in the transport allowance for non-management staff and an 8% increase in the motor-vehicle allowance (capital and running costs) for management staff.
The Public Service Commission indicated the government personnel expenditure budget increased from 43% to 45.50% of the total budget during the previous financial year.
The revelation was made by the chairperson of the commission, Salmaan Jacobs, yesterday during the courtesy visit to President Nangolo Mbumba. The media were not allowed to ask questions.
President Mbumba thanked the Commission for the courtesy visit, and encouraged them to continue executing their mandate and responsibilities professionally and fairly.
During the briefing session, the Commission indicated the reduction of the number of public servants by 1.8%, but pointed out that the remuneration has grown from N$2.6 billion to N$2.8 billion in the 2022/2023 financial year.
The Commission visited Mbumba to brief him on its programmes and activities during the last financial year, as well as to inform him on the way forward. During the last financial year, 109 000 civil servants were on the government payroll.
The Commission further indicated that N$925 850 000 was used to fund four farming-out projects approved by the Office of the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Commission during the last financial year.
In terms of recruitment and promotions, the Commission recommended the appointment of 23 staff members in the management cadre, of whom 11 were men and 12 women.
Moreover, 753 staff were appointed to posts below the management cadre, of whom 82% were appointed in the Ministry of Health and Social Services. During this financial year, the government has allocated N$1.7 billion for the 2024/25 civil servants’ wage increase.
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