Beseo lauds K4.6 million for 7.5% pay increase

Reports by JEFFREY ELAPA
THE national government has released K4.6 million to meet the 7.5% pay increase for Correctional Services officers.
Thanking the government in parliament yesterday, Correctional Services Minister Sai Sailon Beseo said the pay increase was approved by the National Executive Council last year but financial constraints had caused the delay in payment.
Beseo said as per the government’s focus to improve the capacity
and capability of the disciplined
force, he requested additional funding to cater for the outstanding salary adjustment.
He said during an official parade at Bomana two weeks ago that all focus would be on revitalising and rehabilitating the institutions, in particular the workers.
He said it was necessary to undertake the core functions of the CS as a disciplined force to detain, contain and rehabilitate prisoners.
Beseo urged the officers to do their part in supporting him.
He also asked them and their dependents to cut down on unnecessary wastage of utilities such as water, power, and other amenities provided for them.
“All CS installations throughout the country are requested to be wary of the huge operational bills particularly on water, power, land rates, sewerage and telephone bills.
“This must be work-related and must be cut down so that funds can go towards other operational areas necessary for the development of the CIS such as training and promotions,” he said.
Beseo said any other expenditure in relation to the approved increase would be dealt with in the 2012 budget.