PHILIPSBURG–Reducing the use of government-issued mobile phones and having government vehicles parked when not in use are among cost-cutting measures being implemented within the Ministry of General Affairs.
Prime Minister (PM) Leona-Romeo Marlin made the announcement during the Council of Ministers press briefing on Wednesday.
She said the ministry recently began a project of cost-cutting measures as a means of improving accountability and reducing unnecessary spending and waste. The initial cost-cutting measures will focus on reducing cell phone usage and the management of government’s car fleet.
In the area of cell phone usage, the PM said the list of persons who are currently allowed to operate a government-issued cell phone is being reviewed and updated. She said proper justification must be given as to why specific civil servants will be issued a cell phone. Ministers, Secretaries-General, department heads, financial controllers and emergency personnel will not be affected by the cost-cutting measures.
As it relates to the management of government’s car fleet, the ministry will be looking at having more government vehicles parked during non-working hours and on weekends to reduce the maintenance and fuel budgets.
“One of the key objectives is to hold civil servants accountable for their actions, which will eventually reduce waste and bring about improvement in the overall efficiency in government’s apparatus,” she said.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/90006-reducing-cell-phone-use-part-of-cost-cutting-at-general-affairs-ministry
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