adminAddressing journalists on the state of the economy, Minister Biti said Government had missed its monthly revenue collection targets by an average of $30 million since January.
He said this had resulted in Treasury failing to set aside $7,5 million monthly towards the $150 million needed for civil servants’ bonuses.
“Given persistent revenue underperformance, it has not been possible to set aside resources to cater for the $150 million required to pay the 2012 bonuses,” said Minister Biti.
The civil servants must have been taken aback by Minister Biti’s latest announcement given the fact that only last Tuesday, the same Minister had announced that Treasury was seized with mobilising money to pay civil servants’ bonuses and that for farming inputs.
Minister Biti said because of the money required for civil servants’ bonuses, Treasury was unable to fund by-elections this year.
He said Government’s major challenge was to raise money for bonuses and the 2012/2013 agricultural season.
We want to believe that despite the announcement by Minister Biti on Thursday that Government was unable to raise money for civil servants’ bonuses, the Government remains seized with this challenge to raise the 13th cheque for its workers.
Minister Biti’s Thursday announcement has already caused panic among civil servants who have however made it abundantly clear that the issue of bonuses is not negotiable.
The civil servants’ unions have implored Government to use every avenue to secure the $150 million needed for their bonuses.
There are about 235 000 civil servants who are usually paid their bonuses between November and December.
The civil servants unions said since the civil servants did not get any salary increment this year, they were anxiously waiting for their bonuses.
We have already alluded to the fact that schools are opening tomorrow and the third term is very crucial especially for those pupils sitting public examinations such as the Ordinary and Advanced level.
It is therefore important to ensure that there are no disruptions to classes as the pupils prepare for the crucial public examinations.
The Government should, without delay, make its position clear regarding the issue of civil servants bonuses.
The country had started to record improved O and A-level results and there is need to maintain or even improve on this but this is only possible if the teachers are happy.
Mr Biti’s vacillation on the bonus issue is not helping the situation and as we have already stated, it is important for Government to come out clear on the issue of bonuses before it is too late.
Civil servants have been patient for too long and it’s time Government addresses their plight. We cannot expect the best services from disgruntled civil servants who are being forced to steal Government working hours to conduct private business to raise extra cash.
Online Reporter