The Voice (Francistown)
8 April 2008
Francistown — Francistown West MP, Mr Tshelang Masisi says he expected the salaries review to correct some imbalances in the public sector.
Debating the Specified Offices Bill (salaries and allowances) Mr Masisi criticized the salaries review commission saying their recommendations and what has been implemented was nothing to be happy about.
He said the high cost of living, it could not be sustained by what people earn. Mr Masisi further emphasized the need to retain staff and motivate project implementers citing engineers.
Contributing to the debate, Selibe-Phikwe West MP Mr Kavis Kario said it was important for doctors and engineers to be paid well to retain them.
He said the 15 per cent recommended was just too small and the explanation given on why 15 per cent was opted for, is not sufficient and convincing.
MP Kario said there was need to provide analysis to help understand the limitations faced by government. He felt more could be done in terms of increment for specified officers.
Okavango legislator, Mr Vister Moruti described the Salaries Commission as the worst one given the funds spent and its report, which is not satisfying.
He said the Commission was a way of satisfying some group of people whom he referred to as friends. MP Guma Moyo of Tati East said lack of transparency in the budgetary processes was a concern.
Thus he advised that in future government should give all the facts when presenting issues before the parliamentarians indicating whether the revenue is sufficient Responding to MPs comments, Minister of Justice, Defence and Security Mr Phandu Skelemani said government examined the Commissions report taking the future into account.
He said what was availed to the Commission was the parameters set in terms of what government can afford. Mr Skelemani said the Commission did not only deal with the 15 per cent but other matters regarding conditions of service.
On the need to retain scarce skill, he emphasized the need to apply other options to see how people can be retained in their profession given the fact that after training they leave for greener pastures.
Other government bills presented for amendment of salaries and allowances included that for Ntlo ya Dikgosi, National Assembly and Judges. Employment Bill was also presented. BOPA
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