Maravi

Cabinet pay rise continues to receive criticism

Cabinet pay rise continues to receive criticism
By Jack Zimba
Saturday August 09, 2008 [04:01]

TEN civil society organisations in the country have called for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed bill to increase salaries and allowances for senior government officials and constitutional office holders. At a joint press briefing at Hotel Intercontinental in Lusaka yesterday, the non-governmental organisations condemned the proposal by Cabinet to award themselves, members of parliament and constitutional office holders, salary and allowance increments of up to 300 per cent, saying the move was "greedy and irresponsible".

The organisations also questioned the introduction of the responsibility allowance to be paid to the President, Vice-President, ministers and their deputies.

"What extra responsibilities have all our senior government officials suddenly acquired?" the organisations questioned in part.

The organisations said they were not against any improvement of conditions of service for government employees, but were against the "selective principles of increments that only benefit a few and disadvantage the majority."

"It is unacceptable and greedy of ministers to increase their pay while so many critical sectors in the country's economy are in dire need of resources, financial and otherwise," they stated.

They also warned that the government should not use money from the expected windfall taxes from the mines.

The civil society organisations called on Vice-President Rupiah Banda to show true leadership on the matter by ensuring that the proposals were shelved.

"We dare them to take the bill to Parliament and we will surround that place and demand its withdrawal," Caritas Zambia executive director Sam Mulafulafu said.

The organisations argued that the current conditions of service for ministers were sufficient to enable them live comfortably, while the majority of the taxpayers in the country earned far less.

Women for Change (WfC) executive director, Emily Sikazwe said it was not necessary for Cabinet to create unnecessary tension in the country, instead of uniting in prayer for the President, who is currently admitted to a military hospital in Paris, France, after suffering a stroke.

The organisations also advised Cabinet to learn from other countries like Ivory Coast, where the government recently cut by half salaries for ministers in order to address the needs of the majority citizenry.

"People should not go into public service for survival, but for service," they stated. "What justifies increasing basic allowances by 50 per cent, let alone the 100 per cent proposed for telephone, cell phone, water and electricity allowances? Have these services increased by the same margin?" the organisations questioned.

Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) executive director, Engwase Mwale said the salary increment proposal was ill-timed, as the government had the responsibility to tackle high poverty levels as well as the President's medical fees in Paris.

The joint briefing was convened by Transparency International Zambia (TIZ), Caritas Zambia, Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD), Women for Change (WfC), Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP), Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR), Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), NGOCC and Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR).

Cabinet on July 24 approved salary and allowance increments for constitutional office holders and senior government officials.

Cabinet approved a 15 per cent salary increment for constitutional office holders.
Cabinet also approved the introduction of a Responsibility Allowance, which shall be paid to the President, Vice-President, ministers and deputy ministers.

They also approved increment in the rates of allowances currently being paid to ministers, deputy ministers and senior government officials by 50 per cent of basic salary for housing allowance and 100 per cent for telephone, cellphone, water and electricity allowances.

Labels: CABINET

posted by MrK @ 3:57 AM