PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS managing partner Jerome Kado has emphasized the necessity for the private sector to enhance productivity within the civil service, especially after the recent salary increases announced in the 2024-2025 National Budget.
Speaking at the FCEF-organised post-budget breakfast at the GPH in Suva on Monday, Mr. Kado remarked that while many individuals in the civil service were performing commendable work, the results were not materializing swiftly enough. He noted the delay in numerous projects, attributing it to possibly ingrained cultural practices.
“We’ve got so many projects on the line and they are being held up, maybe a hangover in culture,” he said. “Can we have some comments on how you are looking to improve that in the short to medium term because we really need those projects moving a lot quicker and getting them online. In other words, drawing out the productivity value for money from that increase.”
Responding to these concerns, Mr. Prasad noted that the Government is also discussing the issue of productivity internally, recognizing that the status quo is insufficient. He encouraged ministers and permanent secretaries to increase their field engagements to expedite processes and approvals within the bounds of suitable policies and laws, thereby facilitating business requirements more efficiently.
“One of the variables in raising overall productivity is really to ensure the employees are satisfied, they have basic decent wage, but also raising minimum wages and salaries is good for the economy, good for the businesses in the long run if that leads to increase in productivity,” Mr. Prasad stated.
He stressed the government’s commitment to conveying a clear message about the importance of a productive and efficient civil service. With 42,000 publicly funded employees in the civil service at a cost of about $1.2 billion, Mr. Prasad emphasized that achieving the desired productivity is crucial.
Furthermore, he highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the civil service structure to enhance efficiency and productivity.