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Civil servants decry high cost of living
2007-05-03 09:20:05
By Lusekelo Philemon, Hellen Nachilongo and Josephine Mwaimu
Some civil servants in Dar es Salaam have expressed concern over the current salary scheme, saying it does not match with the average cost of living.
When interviewed, a number of them said the current monthly salaries for civil servants were not enough for them to live comfortably as promised by President Jakaya Kikwete in his party’s manifesto in the 2005 general election.
Most servants in the public sector expected the President during May Day cerebrations on Tuesday to announce a new minimum wage that would match with the current cost of living.
``People are still in a dilemma with the ongoing situation…Life is very difficult for an ordinary government worker as inflation is very high contrary to their monthly wages,`` John Wakota, a tutorial assistant at the University of Dar es Salaam, said.
He said the current salary scheme needs immediate overhaul to make it cope with the current cost of living.
``As far as I am concerned, the current scheme is unrealistic and disgraceful. Life in general is very expensive`` he added.
A senior lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof. Michael Kishimba, noted that there was a big difference between senior and junior civil servants, a situation that called for immediate rectification.
``There is a big gap between senior and junior staff in most government departments.
I don`t know where we are going,`` Prof.Kishimba said.
He added that lack of a control mechanism over inflation was one of the factors that were complicating life in the country.
Billy Mwakasole, a civil servant and resident of Magomeni in the city, said salary increases should be treated as confidential.
``To me I find an increase in salary as just other confidential issues that should not be made public for any reason,`` he said, adding: ``It was wise for the President to treat a salary hike as confidential. I’m saying this without pre-empting a move by the government to either increase or improve the lives of its employees,``
He said a public announcement of a salary increment would have a domino effect on inflation as the business community would promptly hike prices of commodities and services, which would in turn complicate the country’s economy.
Msewa John, a civil servant, said the cost of living was very high and he was expecting the government to say something about it.
``Indeed, I am disappointed by the government for not saying something about a salary increment,`` he said.
He added, ``If salaries are increased we will be able to get bigger loans from banks and SACCOS so that we can improve our livelihoods,``
He advised the government to reduce unnecessary expenditure.
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