South Sudan’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol, unveiled plans to address the issue of overstaffing within the ministry.
Speaking at a joint press conference held at the Central Bank on Saturday, Dr. Chol announced the intention to conduct a thorough screening and downsizing of the current staff, which currently stands at over 1,400 employees.
Dr. Chol emphasized that the objective is not due to a lack of qualified personnel but rather a strategic move to enhance efficiency through restructuring. The process will involve careful screening and subsequent deployment of staff within the Ministry of Finance, he added.
“We recognize that we have a pool of qualified individuals within the Ministry of Finance. However, restructuring is essential for optimal functionality. The screening process and subsequent capacity building are crucial steps in this direction,” said Dr. Chol.
“It is crucial to redeploy accountants and cashiers. Additionally, we are considering reducing the number of staff, particularly those we believe are not contributing significantly at this stage.”
Minister Chol disclosed a significant revelation, stating, “”The Ministry of Finance and Planning is currently overstaffed with more than 1,400 employees. The congestion we observe at the ministry is not solely due to individuals coming for claims; some of them are my employees who lack sufficient workspace.”
Highlighting that the restructuring will not inherently lead to the termination of staff at the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
“I will not be terminating their employment or contracts. However, those who possess the necessary skills and have been working without designated offices will be provided with offices. On the other hand, individuals who have been assigned to offices but are deemed redundant and ineffective will need to wait until we complete the transformational agenda,” he explained.