Last week, the government ordered all salaries of public servants to be channelled through banks. Finance Minister Basil Mramba, who gave the directive, said that it was a ‘shame’ for such employees to be paid over the counter. Do you think this directive will in any way help public servants?

YES. I am in support of the directive and I am sure it will greatly help the employees as well as payroll officers. We have witnessed several events whereby the employees’ salaries have been stolen prior to their payment. This is because paymasters are withdrawing bulk cash and keep them in their safes overnight to await payments. This has also risked the lives of those handling salary payments of being attacked by robbers. This is not the age of moving around with cash. Time has come for using documents such credit cards. Salaries should be paid via banks.
Agripina Peter – Nursing Officer.

YES. I think the government gave the directive of paying salaries through banks at the right moment. As we all know, the economic structure of the world is changing. Employees’ salaries no longer suffice all their basic needs. Credit facilities for running small-scale business are necessary and these are accessed through banks. Banks are now accepting channelling salaries through them as collateral. This is for the benefit of employees and not employers. Employees should now stop complaining and instead look for such opportunities. The government is pulling out of business, let employees venture into business to boost their income.
Gabriel Misana – Entrepreneur.

NO. I do not think that directive will be of benefit to public employees, particularly those in the lower bracket. The minimum wage for such employees is not more than Tsh. 60,000. The banks have their own regulations that one has to have a minimum balance. How is this worker going to benefit taking into consideration the rising costs of living? It would have been better for the government to make it optional but not compulsory.
James Mpogolo – Public Servant.

YES. I think the government is right to have given such a directive. Channelling one’s salary through a bank has a lot of benefits including developing a culture of saving. Receiving a salary over the counter never encourages one to take it to the bank. But by getting the money into the bank directly, at least a certain amount will be retained hence creating a savings scheme. The small pay that they receive should not be an excuse for failing to save. When then are they going to save?
Bidawa Hamisi – Office Supervisor.

Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.