MIPU Don Ken warns PWD staff non-performers will be sacked

The Minister of

Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Don Ken, has issue a stern warning to the staff of the Department of Public Works (PWD), especially those based in the provinces, that non-performers will not be tolerated and will be sacked.

He issued the warning during a press conference in his office at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU) after a visit to his constituency of Malekula last week during which he launched at his village on northeast of the island, a number of projects for Malekula.

The minister expressed his grave concern that many of the PWD workers in the islands including engineers were not performing in their jobs.

“Many of you are not working. I visited one office and the staff were playing cards,” he growled adding, “I went to Pentecost and after I left they went back to doing nothing,” he added.

The minister responsible for PWD said he was most unhappy that the public works staff members were not proactive in maintaining the roads in the islands for example, although the equipment for the work was all in good working order.

In a five-minute speech broadcast on Radio Vanuatu Monday morning, Minister Ken bellowed his warning five times that he would sack staff members who did not perform in their duties.

“I have a list of all of you who are not performing and I will sack you if you continue to not perform,” he said “starting with those PWD staff at Lakatoro in Malampa Province.”

He said he would be making similar visits to Tafea and the other provinces to check on the PWD there. This week he is in Torba Province.

To stress his point that he wanted the PWD staff to perform, he instructed that everyone in the department would not take an early Christmas break, but “must work till December 15” before stopping work. He warned that anyone who did not adhere to the instruction would be sacked.

“Don’t you know that by not performing in your jobs you are reflecting badly on this government? You may have been doing this to other governments, but I warn you if you continue your behavior with this government I will have you sacked,” warned.