Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services ministry is grappling with a critical shortage of qualified technical staff, impacting its ability to achieve core objectives.
The ministry is responsible for providing high-quality ICT facilities and services that are modern, accessible and affordable, thereby improving the standard of life for Zimbabweans.
It also directly contributes to two national priorities including achieving a digitally enabled economy and improving infrastructure and utilities.
However, an analysis of the 2024 3rd Quarter Statutory Report for the ministry by the Parliament Budget Office (PBO) revealed that vacant positions left the ministry overburdened.
“With eight vacancies in Band E and above, and 29 vacancies in Band D, existing staff are likely overburdened. This leads to fatigue, reduced productivity, and an increased risk of burnout,” the report read.
“Inadequate staffing at critical levels (eg, Bands E and D) will lead to delays in service delivery as fewer staff have to handle the same workload, slowing down processes.”
It further indicated that vacancies in higher bands may mean that tasks requiring specialised skills are not being performed effectively or at all, leading to a decline in service quality.
“Inadequate staff hinders the ministry’s ability to meet its goals. Vacant positions disrupt the flow of operations and make it difficult for departments to fulfil their mandates,” it said.
The PBO report mentioned that employees working in under-resourced environments are likely to experience low morale, leading to higher turnover rates, which further exacerbates staffing issues.
“Limited staffing also hinders opportunities for staff training, development, and team-building activities,” the report said.
“Without these initiatives, employee skills stagnate and innovation is hindered, negatively impacting the ministry’s long-term growth and effectiveness.”
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