Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike-Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to provide decent accommodation for all public service staff, particularly junior officers, as part of efforts to create a conducive environment for personal and professional growth.
The pledge was made by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Deputy Chief Secretary Dr Paul Damasane during a Social Services Cluster meeting in Harare yesterday.
The meeting, attended by officials from various Government departments, focused on key issues affecting the welfare of civil servants, including housing and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public service delivery.
Dr Rushwaya said decent housing is essential for enhancing the productivity and morale of Government workers, especially those in junior positions who form the backbone of service delivery.
“As Government, we are deeply committed to ensuring that all our staff members at every level have decent accommodation and therefore any opportunities and efforts to provide such accommodation is most welcome,” he said.
“Above all, we need to improve the living conditions of our workforce and recognise that their welfare is essential to achieving our national development goals.
“It is in this understanding that the presentations today will shed light on the current housing initiatives tailored to meet the needs of our junior officers.”
Dr Rushwaya also acknowledged the challenges posed by the unregulated operations of housing cooperatives, describing the sector as chaotic.
He said a standing committee chaired by Vice President Kembo Mohadi is reviewing the situation and working towards a revised national cooperatives policy.
“That matter is under serious consideration,” he said.
“The process of reviewing the housing cooperatives — alongside other national cooperatives — is underway, and we will soon unveil a revised national cooperatives policy that addresses structure and operations.
“So there is a caveat within which we are operating and we ask that as we move forward we have our hearts in comfort that Government is fully aware of what is happening,” he said.
The Chief Secretary encouraged permanent secretaries and directors to actively participate in discussions and share insights to help translate housing policies into tangible outcomes.
The meeting also explored the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve government operations.
Dr Rushwaya said AI presents vast opportunities to enhance efficiency, streamline processes and support data-driven decision-making.
“While to a large extent AI is something that a number of us are afraid of, it is important for one to note that AI is as good as what you put into it,” he said.
He added that the e-Government department in the Office of the President and Cabinet, in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT, is working on developing policies to govern the responsible use of AI in public service.
“Let us recognise that the welfare of our officers and the adoption of innovative technologies such as AI are mutually reinforcing pillars of a modern, efficient and compassionate government,” he added.
“Together, through these efforts, we can build a resilient public service that meets the challenges of today and faces tomorrow with a better and more resolute form.”
