Murekezi fails to convince House over Public Service ills

Members of the Chamber of Deputies yesterday overwhelmingly rejected the verbal explanations given by the Minister of Public Service Anastase Murekezi on several setbacks highlighted in the 2008 Public Service Commission report. Most MPs voted against Murekezi’s explanations on the alleged irregularities within the public service sector. The unsatisfied MPs immediately approved a proposal to establish an ad hoc committee that would summon the minister, question him, and investigate in detail the reported irregularities. Some of the issues highlighted in the 2008 report included unlawful suspension and dismissal public servants, negligence, and abandoning work, issues related to corruption and theft, insubordination among employees and the employers and sexual harassment among others. The minister had however told the Parliament that there were no grave issues in the public service especially within the commission. “There are no issues within the public service sector that call for urgent attention; we have solutions for the minor issues that were highlighted in the report,” said Murekezi. This seemed to have sparked off anger among MPs who cited grave concerns in the report and decided to reject his explanations. Hon. Henriette Sebera roused furious MPs in her intervention when she openly rejected the Minister’s explanations claiming that Murekezi deliberately dodged the questions posed to him. “The Minister’s explanations were totally unsatisfactory. There seem to be a misunderstanding between the ministry and the commission that the minister is not telling us. This is why I propose that we establish an ad hoc committee to follow up this issue in detail and come up with a thorough report,” said Sebera. Her proposal was welcomed by the majority of MPs. Ends

National

Murekezi fails to convince House over Public Service ills