Malawi gov't cuts costs in Public Service to cushion economy shocks

LILONGWE, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Malawi government has put up cost-cutting measures in its Public Service to help save funds being wasted through over expenditure.

In a circular released Monday signed by the country's Chief Secretary to the Government, Lloyd Muhara, the expenditure control measures, and fleet management measures, follow evident over expenditure by controlling officers in the country's public service as per disclosed in the 2017/2018 Mid Year Budget Review.

"The 2017/18 Mid Year Budget Review has given all indications that the country is facing financial challenges. Government has noted that some Controlling Officers are not exercising expenditure controls, and as a result, there is increased expenditure," reads part of the statement.

The communication has since instituted, as part of expenditure control measures, restriction of Business Class air travel to the country's Speaker of the National Assembly, the National Chief Justice, and The Chief Secretary to the Government.

Within the Public Sector but outside the Civil Service only the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi is allowed business class air travel.

Meanwhile, the statement has stressed that implementation of all the measures is with immediate effect. Enditem