By Burnett Munthali
Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chimwemwe Chipungu, made a surprise visit to members of staff in their offices at the Ministry’s headquarters, where he found that many were not yet in their offices as at 7:30 am, the start of the official public service working hours.
The Minister’s unannounced visit was aimed at assessing the level of staff attendance and punctuality, and he was reportedly not pleased with what he found, expressing disappointment with the conduct of the latecomers.
Chipungu has since urged staff members to be punctual and adhere to the official working hours, emphasizing the importance of discipline and professionalism in the public service.
The Minister’s actions demonstrate a commitment to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ministry, and he is expected to take further measures to address the issue of tardiness among staff members.
The surprise visit is also seen as a way of reinstating the culture of accountability within the public service, where staff members are expected to be diligent and dedicated to their duties.
Chipungu’s leadership style is being closely watched, and his willingness to take bold steps to address issues is likely to have a positive impact on the Ministry’s overall performance.
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development is a critical arm of government, responsible for implementing policies and programs that affect the lives of many Malawians, making it imperative that staff members are committed to their duties.
The Minister’s message to staff is clear: punctuality and dedication are non-negotiable, and those who fail to meet expectations will be held accountable.
The move is likely to be welcomed by citizens who have grown weary of inefficiencies in the public service, and it remains to be seen how the Ministry will sustain the momentum of this initiative.
