Amidst rising cases of Covid-19 over the past few days, the government of Zimbabwe has further cut its workforce to 10 percent, down from the existing 40 percent. This comes as part of its measures to safeguard civil servants from the upsurge in the country.
This is contained in a circular issued by the Public Service Commission (PSC) Secretary Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe directed to Government ministries, Auditor General Mildred Chiri and Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya.
According to the circular referenced ‘Measures for Covid-19 containment within the public service’, Ambassador Wutawunashe requested all ministries to adhere to the laid down measures with immediate effect.
“Reduce the number of staff coming to work from 40 percent to 10 percent for all the ministries, departments and agencies with the exception of the Ministry of Health and Child Care and designated critical services with immediate effect,” he said.
“Line ministries to rotate staff in such a manner that no employee shall remain at home for more than 21 days stretch. There shall be strict monitoring and enforcement of staff attendance at workplaces.” Ambassador Wutawunashe said only members with proof of vaccination against Covid-19 shall board PSC buses.
The PSC shall observe social distancing on buses, decongest bus parks…with each bus carrying a maximum of 35 passengers.
“Only 10 percent of civil servants are going to work as the Public Service Commission takes measures to decongest workspaces as part of the fight against Covid-19,” he said.
“This may have serious effect on the quality of service the public will receive, please bear with us.”
He added: “Only members with proof of vaccination against Covid-19 shall board PSC buses.”
