Political drama should not affect services

SERVICE to the public must continue unobstructed with the current turn of events in the political arena.
This message has been coming regularly from politicians, bureaucrats, civil servants and churches.
Heads of government departments and state agencies must stay neutral and focus on delivering service – their core task.
They must focus on their jobs as they are paid to provide services to the people.
Regardless of what’s on the calendar, service to the public must be provided unhindered.
This has been said countless times that, does not matter who is in Government, the main thing is that the public service must be resolute in its own stand and that is service must be delivered.
The public service is the engine room of any country.
If it stops functioning, whatever plans the Government has will never be achieved.
That is why the performance and conduct of public servants in and outside the office, especially the members of the disciplined forces, election officers and teachers, are often under scrutiny.
Members of the disciplined forces must avoid getting involved.
They must concentrate on their task of ensuring a safe environment for the candidates, supporters and the public.
Accountability in the workplace is something everyone wants to have.
Accountability has a clear link to higher work performance, but experts indicate that it also results in improved competency and commitment to work, increased employee morale, and work satisfaction.
The alternative government sounded the warning that they are watching departmental heads to ensure they perform accordingly.
One former minister in the alternative government over time has told his department he does not tolerate laxity.
His message had always been simple – shape up or ship out.
The PNG habit or style of getting things done must stop.
Starting work after 8am, frequent absenteeism, unnecessary breaks, bad habits and culture and abusing ones position for personal benefits must come to an end.
While talking about the general trend of poor work ethics, we must not lose sight of the fact that there always remains a segment of the workforce that displays a good sense of work ethics.
They do not just believe in but also demonstrate their honesty, integrity and accountability at the workplace.
Hardworking and committed, these people contribute to the country’s progress to the best of their ability.
They also have their own challenges in performing their duties.
We like to believe that the public service has transformed over the past years and it came with huge challenges.
It has departed from the traditions and practices that had been in place for many years.
The challenge is now on everyone especially those entrusted to deliver to not make the same mistake, learn from past experiences and continue to chart and develop a new part for service delivery.
And it is only fair that those are entrusted to be serving the people through the various roles they play continue to do so professionally.
They must not abuse their position for personal gain.
Surely it is not too hard to understand that.