Public servants have been urged to work towards implementation of policies formulated by the government for the development of the country.

The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Mr. Lesao Lehohla said this at the Public Service Day celebration held at Bambatha Sport Arena in Maseru on Friday.

He said the African countries are working hard to ensure that governments through quality services delivered by public servants can be able to achieve their objectives of moving, 'From policy to result based implementation,' as stated by this year's theme.

Mr. Lehohla added that Lesotho government has implemented various policies to ensure that public service improves for the development of the nation.

The DPM commended public servants for exhibition of stalls and congratulated ministries that received trophies saying they should keep it up.

Speaking at the same occasion the Minister of Public Service Mr. Semano Sekatle also commended the public servants for their stalls saying they are improving as compared to the past years.

He said the government has intends to upgrade the standard of courses offered by Lesotho Institute of Public Administration and Management (LIPAM) in order to enable public servants to gain a higher level of knowledge than it is currently offering.

Mr. Sekatle added that plans are at an advanced stage to install a clocking machine system this year to monitor punctuality at work for government employees.

He further said the government is also working on the public service regulations of 2008 to ensure that recruitment and placement of public servants is done properly, adding that managers and their staff will enter into agreement so that a party which fails to perform as agreed is disciplined accordingly.

He therefore advised public servants to be loyal and respectful, urging them to stop engaging in party politics while in the service.

The purpose of the day, which is marked on June 23 worldwide is aimed at motivating public servants.

This was the fourth year for the day to be celebrated in the country.

Source: LENA 20/06/2008