Parastatals face reforms progress test
Parastatals whose strategic reforms President Peter Mutharika approved in 2015 are this week expected to give progress reports on their implementation in the first quarter amid reports of strong warnings to institutions that failed to deliver.
The progress reports will be presented to the Public Service Reforms Commission (PSRC), chaired by Vice-President Saulos Chilima, which is this week meeting 19 statutory corporations based in the Southern Region in Blantyre.
Information from the commission The Nation has seen indicates that Chilima is leading the commission during meetings with chief executive officers (CEOs), board chairpersons and one board member from each parastatal to track progress as promised when the reforms were approved.
“I can confirm that the commission will sit in Blantyre this week to review progress in the first quarter of implementation. This exercise will be taking place every quarter to ensure that there is an overhaul in the way some of the parastatals have been operating,” said Constance Kilimo, spokesperson for Public Sector Reforms Management Department.
Approving the parastatal reforms in October 2015, the President also recommended the finalisation of the State Corporation Policy, review of all outdated mandates of some parastatals as well as review of the current status under the State Corporation Act.
Parastatal reforms include several cross-cutting reforms in the water sector where a regulatory authority will be established to regulate pricing, efficiency and performance to end current supply problems rocking the sector.
The reforms will also see Malawi Posts Corporation (MPC) having a right-sized organisation by December 2016 as well as franchising all rural post offices to boost corporate image and compete with emerging players in the industry.
