By Patricia Kapulula
Chief Secretary, Dr. Justin Saidi, has appealed to Principal Secretaries (PSs) to move together in one accord and under one shared vision in actualising the country’s economic transformation agenda through an improved service delivery.
He was speaking at the Malawi School of Government in Lilongwe on Thursday when he officially opened a one-day orientation meeting for PSs.
He said it is important for the civil service to look at the people of Malawi as ultimate clients who deserve a public service that delivers to their satisfaction.
“So, in essence, we are here to have a conversation on how we can revamp the civil, service. And revamping the civil service will require us to confront systemic weaknesses, address structural constraints, and take responsibility for the decisions we make, or fail to make. It is in these areas that our work must now begin,” he said.He emphasised on the need to reinforce the backbone of the civil service national goals in order to achieve a vibrant civil service.
Saidi said his leadership is committed to strengthening the administrative common service which serves as a central nervous system of the civil service.
“I, therefore, urge you, Controlling Officers, to empower these officers, fully utilise their expertise, and allow them to provide specialised support you require to succeed,” he said.
Secretary to the Treasure, Dr. Cliff Chiunda, hailed the meeting saying it will accord them knowledge and skills for effective service delivery.
He said that as development assistance declines, the country needs to put measures in place and mobilize local resources to ensure the successful implementation of various government plans.
The PSs are being oriented on Public Finance Management, Public Sector Management, Leadership in Public Reforms, and Etiquette and Political/Administrative Interface.
