15 Mar 2005

Solomons task force eyes recruiting more public servants

7:17 am on 15 March 2005

The Solomon Islands Government is setting up a task force to help recruit hundreds of workers for the public service.

At the same time a campaign to make ineffective workers redundant is continuing.

Nearly 2,000 workers are being let go, with more than 1,000 already receiving their termination notices.

It's understood that despite this exercise, the Government has identified about 700 positions that must be filled this year.

A source says they want to engage young and energetic Solomon Islanders in the posts.

The Taskforce has been set up by the Prime Minister, Sir Allen Kemakeza, after donors expressed frustration that many positions have remained unfilled.

Sir Allen says it will be headed by the chairman of the public service commission and include the permanent secretaries of finance and public service.

He says the Regional Assistance Mission will also provide assistance.