Environment, forestry and tourism minister Indileni Daniel has ordered a clampdown on unnecessary overtime, telling staff that work must be completed within official hours as budget and operational pressures mount.
“Overtime must be the exception, not the norm, and it will not be justified by poor planning, weak coordination or lack of urgency,” she said last week.
The directive comes as the ministry grapples with budget constraints, transport limitations and procurement delays.
Speaking at her annual ministerial staff address, Daniel said “efficiency is no longer negotiable” and urged employees to complete their duties strictly within official working hours.
Daniel said staff are expected to share relevant information proactively, both up and down the hierarchy and across programmes, in a timely and structured manner.
She also called for a self-starter culture.
“This ministry requires doers, not bystanders. I expect every manager, supervisor and staff member to function as a self-starter, identify problems, propose solutions and take initiative,” she said.
Proactive environment
She said the ministry will no longer tolerate inefficiency, poor planning or extended working hours caused by avoidable delays.
Staff are expected to deliver results within official hours, demonstrating discipline, professionalism and accountability at every level.
Project managers were urged to stick to strict timelines, manage contracts efficiently and take proactive steps to prevent delays.
“Delays caused by poor planning or weak oversight will not be tolerated,” the minister said.
She also emphasised that ethical conduct and professionalism remain central to the ministry’s work.
Daniel encouraged staff to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability, warning that conduct that undermines public trust or the ministry’s reputation will be addressed decisively.
She also outlined key ministry priorities, including ensuring all programmes align with national development goals, such as the sixth National Development Plan.
The minister said managers must show in their quarterly reports how their outputs contribute directly to these objectives.
She also stressed that effective communication and information sharing are professional obligations.
“No unit or office is permitted to operate in isolation. Silos undermine efficiency, create duplication and weaken accountability,” Daniel said.
