By Amin Kef Sesay
Recently, this medium reliably learnt that the leadership of the National Telecommunications Commission- (NATCOM) has implemented an organizational realignment of the institution.
It was made clear that the realignment is in line with transforming the way work processes are conducted in order to derive improvements from members of staff on how they deliver on the mandate of the institution.
Board and Management of the institution arrived at such a decision to reform, re-engineer and recalibrate NATCOM for effective service delivery.
According to an official of the institution, it did not come as any surprise to see the implementation of the realignment policy at NATCOM. “It should be noted that in the performance of its functions, the Commission has never been subject to the direction or control of any person or authority,” he furthered.
It must also be noted that The Calabash was reliably informed that since he was appointed as Director-General of the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), Daniel B. Kaitibi’s mission has been to lead the telecoms regulatory body with a realignment policy in line with its mandate in order for players in the sector to efficiently carry out their work in a transparent manner.
It was also revealed that in just three months in office, Kaitibi’s administration at NATCOM has improved the telecoms industry especially with regards qualitative service delivery to consumers. His initiatives and those of others have transformed the way and manner GSM operators conduct themselves. What is said to be certain is that these GSM Companies have already expressed satisfaction with the administration which they unanimously now say ensures fair play at NATCOM.
The impact has contributed to significant numbers of communication awareness and development of the sector everywhere.
Under this new administration, access to broadband communications across the country has been improved in most rural areas as well as connectivity.
Some of these achievements were scored because the Board, whose mandate is to ensure that the Management delivers placed greater premium on realignment as a top priority. The end result has been the empowerment of Management with technical expertise to deliver under the New Direction Government.
This medium also learnt that NATCOM undertook the institutional realignment or reform in order for Management to be well positioned to roll out effective services.
From the aforementioned it could be easily deduced that the recent relieving of some members of staff may not be connected with the allegations of discrimination, hate etc but rather a normal routine process in any administration.
According to the NATCOM Act, the Director-General is responsible for the implementation of a wide range of measures at NATCOM including supervising staff performances and evaluating them.
The Act also makes provision for the DG, who is also the Executive Secretary to the Board and responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Commission to supervise other employees and to determine their performances.
Meanwhile, some have interpreted the recent relieving of some members of staff as motivated by personal ego, petty rivalry and hate, allegations that have been confirmed to be baseless. Employees appointed by the Commission are always evaluated quarterly, during mid-year and annually on their terms and conditions and this was required by the Commission to efficiently monitor how they discharge their functions.
The new NATCOM Management is blameless in that direction and the institution has moved on and will continue to do so.
