MPs query resolution of public service complaints

Legislators have tasked the Public Service Commission (PSC) to provide details on how public servants’ complaints are resolved instead of just reporting that cases were sufficiently probed and disposed of.The call was made in the wake of reports of unfairness in recruitment in several government institutions and local government authorities. The PSC Executive Secretary, Angelina Muganza, and her team, were yesterday appearing before the Chamber of Deputies’ Standing Committee on Social Affairs, over her office’s 2010-2011 report to Parliament. “We wanted to know exactly how issues were resolved. If it is in Rubavu District, and an individual lodged a complaint, and you investigated, and the district reinstated him or refused, that’s what we want because we are extensively looking into these issues,” Esperance Mwiza, the Committee Chairperson, said.She said that much of what is contained in the report were general observations.MP Dr. Ezéchias Rwabuhihi said the commission should provide annexes to its report, with proper details, case by case, so that MPs can get a clear picture.When PSC initially presented its 2010/2011 report to the plenary House, in March, MPs urged for fairness in the public service, especially during recruitment, as the report indicated that in districts, some employees do not have required qualifications – a concern linked to the possibility of favouritism during recruitment. Meanwhile, former PSC chairperson, Bonaventure Niyibizi, intervened and said that one reason for constant turnover in public service was poor staff management.The PSC officials told MPs that in 2010/11, they registered dozens of complaints over injustice, from 23 public institutions, including Rwanda Development Board, (RDB), the National Bank, Supreme Court and several government ministries and districts.Muganza explained that 34 individual complaints were found to be genuine and that relevant recommendations were given.She further told MPs that petitions to the PSC are increasing but even though no empirical research was conducted, the increase could be explained by “common sense” as people could be turning to her institutions after hearing of the successes registered in resolving previous complaints.Muganza and her team will return to the committee on Tuesday.