By Draxon Maloya

The recent government’s decision to suspend recruitment and cut external travels has drawn mixed reactions from some quarters of the society, raising fears the move could disrupt essential public services such as education and health.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Chief Secretary to the Government, Justin Saidi, announced a series of fiscal measures—effective immediately—aimed at strengthening financial prudence through the end of the 2025/2026 financial year.

The circular, recommends an immediate suspension of all new recruitments, a 30 percent reduction in fuel entitlements, and strict restrictions on external travel.

“Controlling officers, heads of departments, and chief executive officers of parastatals and State-owned enterprises be warned, would be held accountable for ensuring full compliance with the new spending rules,” reads part of the circulator.

However, National Advocacy Platform –NAP chairperson Benedicto Kondowe and political and governance critic, George Phiri caution that while fiscal prudence is important, the measures risk undermining the delivery of key social services.

“Some of the recommendations were not properly scrutinized, we have noted that many schools are already struggling with teacher shortages, while hospitals continue to operate below recommended staffing levels,” said Kondowe.