The looming restructuring in the public service is geared to ensure more efficiency, the Minister for Public Service explained. This comes as a result of a performance audit carried out between June 2013 and February 2014, which verified a number of hindrances to service provision in public institutions. “The findings revealed gross shortcomings and gaps in current public institutions’ organisation, thus the need for an overhaul of public institutions,” Minister Judith Uwizeye, told journalists in Kigali on Wednesday. Among the weaknesses, she cited poor coordination, duplication of responsibilities in offices from different ministries, as well as severe bureaucracy affecting tender procedures. In a statement posted on government website, the minister added that a growing wage bill was another big challenge, hinting on the possibility of retrenching several public officials. Government is to spend Rwf207 billion on wages and salaries alone this financial year up from Rwf195.2 billion in the previous fiscal year. There are currently about 94,000 civil servants. “The objective of the restructuring is to keep building capable institutions to achieve effective service, by reorganising public service to enhance efficiency and effectiveness leading to professionalism and high productivity,” she said. “If you are qualified and possess all required expertise, if you do your job properly, you should not worry.” She added that redundant institutions will be merged, while duplicated public posts will be suppressed or be transferred to other government institutions that need staff to fill new positions.
