Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Secretary to the Cabinet Simon Miti has announced that Permanent Secretaries will now be subject to suspension.
Dr. Miti says President Edgar Lungu has directed him to sanction any senior government officials, including Permanent Secretaries, if found wanting.
He states that the suspension of such senior government officials may have long-term implications which include dismissal.
Speaking when he addressed permanent secretaries in Lusaka, Dr. Miti says his office, in consultation with the President will soon make adjustments at senior government and permanent secretary levels.
He says the adjustments are meant to improve efficiency of the system and may include transfers.
Dr. Miti, who is also the President’s Principal Private Secretary has since advised Permanent Secretaries to take their work seriously, adding that their performance contracts will now include aspects of how they contract and manage debt and how they implement Cabinet decisions.
And Dr. Miti has also announced the indefinite extension of the 90-day travel ban for Permanent Secretaries other senior government officials introduced in June this year and was due to expire at mid-night of 30th August, 2019.
He has explained that this is in order to remain on course in reducing government expenditure on travel and ensure that scarce resources are directed to areas that benefit most of the citizens.
Dr. Miti has further directed the removal from the payroll civil servants that have transferred themselves from their posts in rural areas to start work in urban areas.
Meanwhile the Secretary to the Cabinet the name of the management meeting of permanent secretaries which will be held every two months will now be called senior public service management meeting.