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Malawi reforms will require more time—EU, World Bank

The European Union (EU) and the World Bank—two of Malawi’s major development partners— have hailed progress in the Public Service Reform package being implemented by government but have hinted that the reforms “will require more time.”

Vice-President Saulos Chilima is championing the Public Service Reforms agenda which, among others, ensure optimal allocation of human resources and improve public service delivery.

Germann: Reforms will take time
Germann: Reforms will take time

Asked on EU perspective of the reforms, EU Ambassador to Malawi Marchel Germann said in an e-mail interview the union feels there is continued political commitment to implement the reforms.

But Germann said government cannot implement the whole package at once, saying the reforms will require more time.

Said Germann:  “Government cannot do everything at once, some reforms can be implemented straight away and will increase confidence in the process, and other reforms are more complex and will require more time.”

The ambassador commended government for the launching of the reforms, including Public Financial and Economic Management (PFME) reform plans as well as explicit and repeated political will demonstrated at the highest level.

Germann, while noting that some reforms are progressing, said it is important that those reforms are systematically being implemented and becoming part of day-to-day operations and work ethics of the public service.

“The reform programme of the Government is rather comprehensive and the Public Service Reform package identifies the most relevant areas of reform. The EU feels that the focus should now be on implementation to generate the needed changes in the public service,” said Germann.

He assured that his government is fully committed to supporting the Malawi Government with its reform agenda.

Separately reacting on the same, World Bank country senior economist for Malawi Richard Record observed that the public reforms will help Malawi rebuild domestic confidence in the integrity of government financial systems.

But record said it will take some time to restore confidence in the PFEM system not only in the eyes of the donors, but also all Malawians.

Leading the public service reform: Chilima
Leading the public service reform: Chilima

“Government has had a good start, but the rhetoric is settling and is on track. The challenge now is to move from the beginning phase into the full implementation phase. Confidence will only return once we see real action,” said Record.

On its part, Britain declined to comment on the matter, saying during the campaign period for the United Kingdom (UK) elections, government departments are not allowed to engage with the media, both local and international.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had not responded to our questionnaire sent last week as we went to press.

 

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