THE ministry of public works and transport is battling a severe shortage of personnel, with 431 vacant positions hampering service delivery across the country and placing increasing pressure on existing employees.
According to the ministry’s latest report, the ministry has an approved staff complement of 2 050 officers, but hundreds of key positions remain unfilled, leaving many departments and operational depots struggling to effectively carry out their mandate.
The report identifies inadequate human resources as one of the ministry’s biggest challenges, warning that the shortage is affecting efficiency and delaying the delivery of essential public services. It notes that depots across the country have been particularly hard hit, with a lack of personnel making it difficult to meet operational demands.
To address the situation, the ministry has undertaken a management audit in collaboration with the ministry of public service to identify critical posts that require urgent filling. The outcome of the exercise has since been submitted and is awaiting Cabinet approval before recruitment can proceed.
The ministry said it remains committed to working with relevant authorities to ensure the critical vacancies are filled, particularly those that directly impact frontline service delivery.
Among the priority positions currently under discussion is that of the chief government motor vehicle inspector, with the ministry engaging the Civil Service Commission to facilitate the appointment. It is also holding discussions with relevant stakeholders to fill vacant posts across all its departments.
The report suggests that filling the vacancies would not only improve operational efficiency but also strengthen the ministry’s ability to execute infrastructure projects, oversee transport regulation and maintain public assets more effectively.
Despite the staffing challenges, the ministry has recorded progress in strengthening its workforce. During the reporting period, it welcomed three new officers into its establishment. These include a senior human resource officer, a human resource officer and a legal officer, who has joined the legal advisor’s office.
While these appointments are expected to improve support services within the ministry, officials acknowledge that they represent only a small step towards addressing the broader staffing crisis.
The ministry warned that the continued failure to fill vacant positions could fuel workplace disputes and negatively affect staff morale. It stated that prolonged staff shortages have resulted in declining employee commitment and motivation, factors that ultimately have a direct impact on the quality and speed of service delivery to the public.
The report further highlights that artisans are among the most urgently needed personnel, describing these technical positions as critical to the ministry’s operations. The report noted that filling artisan posts remains a priority because they are essential for maintaining government infrastructure and supporting transport-related services.
The ministry says it would continue engaging the ministry of public service and other relevant stakeholders to secure approval for the recruitment of critical personnel. It believes that filling the long-standing vacancies will improve staff morale, enhance productivity and enable the ministry to deliver public works and transport services more efficiently to the nation.
