IRINGA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has warned public servants who neglect their duties, stressing that the government will not tolerate employees who fail to serve citizens diligently and with integrity.
Speaking at a public rally in Isimani, Iringa Region, yesterday, Dr Nchemba said holding a public office is a responsibility that requires commitment, respect for citizens’ rights and timely delivery of services.
“We must learn to provide services with humility. It should not be seen as a value that belongs only to the private sector. As public servants, we are required to serve citizens with humility because the salaries we receive come from these very citizens,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that while many public servants perform their duties diligently, some fail to do so, citing healthcare workers who spend working hours on mobile phones instead of attending to patients.
He said many public servants were educated using taxpayers’ money, as citizens made sacrifices to ensure schools and health facilities were built and salaries paid, yet some still fail to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
“When citizens come across such individuals, they should report them because there are many people who can work with integrity. Such employees should not simply be transferred to other stations; they should be dismissed because we do not have a shortage of workers,” he said.
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Dr Nchemba further observed that in many developed countries, it is rare to find public servants using mobile phones while on duty, as they remain fully focused on serving the public.
“You may find that in an office, 80 per cent of employees report to work, but only 20 per cent are actually working. Yet the government has never failed to pay their salaries, even during periods of economic hardship,” he added.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need for stronger accountability among service providers, noting that the government is prepared to amend certain laws to close loopholes that allow some public servants to evade responsibility.
“We will review some of the laws that create loopholes allowing people to avoid being accountable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Isimani Member of Parliament Ms Emmanuela Mtatifikolo said improvements in irrigation infrastructure in Pawaga have boosted agricultural production and strengthened the local economy. She also said residents have requested the establishment of an Isimani District Council to bring administrative services closer to the people.
“At present, some residents from areas such as Mapera Mengi are forced to spend more than 68,000/- to access council services due to long distances and high transport costs. Establishing a new council would reduce these challenges and speed up service delivery,” she said.
Iringa Regional Commissioner Mr Kheri James said Isimani Constituency is the largest in the region and contributes significantly to the national economy through agriculture, livestock keeping, business and tourism.
He added that the proposal to establish the Isimani District Council has passed through the relevant administrative stages and is now before the Prime Minister’s.