Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke has announced plans to enhance support for public servants, particularly teachers and healthcare workers, assigned to the outer islands. He emphasized that the government ministries should cover necessary expenses before staff embark on their assignments.
“We want to ensure that the government does its job to look after its employees,” Eke said during a press conference last Friday. He highlighted the importance of providing appropriate accommodation and ensuring travel expenses are prepaid.
Currently, reports indicate that staff often prepay for travel and are reimbursed later. A report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s quarantine department revealed that staff travel to the airport using personal vehicles and are advised to bring their own bedding during flight delays due to budget constraints.
Eke expressed concern that sending staff who are “sad” because they had to pay for their relocation expenses is “no good.” He noted that such practices contribute to reluctance among employees to work in the outer islands.
The Prime Minister urged government employees facing these issues to approach their ministers promptly. “Hurry, let your ministers know, that shouldn’t happen. If there are budget issues, let the minister or Ministry of Finance know,” he advised.
These remarks come as ministers review their respective ministries since taking office two weeks ago. At the briefing, Prime Minister Eke was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi and Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Siosiua Halavatau.
