Taking the queue from Prime Minister James Marape, the Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu has dropped a bombshell on the public servants during the public service dedication in Port Moresby weeks ago.
The highlight of his speech is his call on public servants throughout the country to embrace a renewed commitment to service delivery, accountability, and ethical leadership. The call comes after the country having marked its 50th year of independence. Separate news: https://www.thepngsun.com/no-room-for-complacency-in-public-service-pomaleu-orders-performance-reset-for-2026-beyond/
Mr. Pomaleu also urged them to take personal responsibility for promoting good governance, transparency, accountability, ethical conduct, and respect for General Orders and Christian values. These calls are sound in the new year and more importantly, in the first year of the next 50 years of nationhood. Related story: https://thepngbulletin.com/news/pomaleu-calls-for-reset-recommitment-and-dedication-at-2026-dedication-service/
We share the same view or position with the Chief Secretary.
Whether individual public servants will take these calls seriously for the betterment of the country depend entirely on their welfares, self-esteems, principles and values which they hold dear to their lives.
We have observed that some, or if not, four in every 10 members of the public service, are engaging themselves in side hustles during official hours, seeking favors from public for jobs that are already paid for, poor punctuality, nepotism and poor turnover period amongst others. Relatives and cronies are running side businesses for the big boys too. They are there in higher positions channeling public funds to these companies.
How can we make them accountable? Are there any internal reporting system in place to restore public trust and confidence? Are there similar systems in place for the ‘big boys’ as well?
Out of fear, the public will continue to become victims of their selfish behaviors.
Provincial Administrators, Managing Directors, Secretaries and CEOs should make it their business to establish toll-free or WhatsApp numbers for the public to report public servants or the bosses themselves too. We commend those who are already implementing it like the Department of Police.
Remember, public service is a huge liability to the State paying over K240 million a fortnight to 250,000 public servants nationwide. The total annual cost is around K5 billion.
At the end of the year, there should be evaluations done against the benchmarks set. If the indicators are below commendable levels, like late Sir Julias Chan has proposed it is about time the public service is downsized with private consulting firms hired to take charge of each function of the public service to make it become more effective and efficient. Strong TORs are set for the firms to deliver results or otherwise, their contract is terminated.
If not you, who? If not now, when? The ball is in your court, public servants! Do it for your children and your country. The time is now!