VHP parliamentarian Cedric van Samson is calling for a thorough review of all parastatal companies. He wants President Jennifer Simons to investigate whether these companies operate efficiently and whether their staffing levels match their activities. According to him, excess staff and political appointments could put pressure on the financial position of state-owned companies.
In an interview with TBN Prime Alert, Van Samson mentioned the Melkcentrale, the Centrale voor Vissershavens in Suriname N.V. (Cevihas) and the Energiebedrijven Suriname (EBS). At these companies, it is mainly the staffing levels that raise questions, according to him.
The parliamentarian stated that the EBS has approximately 1,300 employees, while in his estimation the company could operate with around 600 staff members. These figures and the assessment of the required staffing levels are statements by Van Samson. He also considers further investigation necessary at the Melkcentrale and Cevihas.
Clarity on political appointments
Van Samson is asking President Simons for clarity on government policy for parastatal companies and the way in which they recruit staff. He questions possible appointments of individuals as a reward for political work.
According to the VHP member, companies must be prevented from being burdened with personnel costs that do not correspond to their operations. A review must provide insight into the actual staffing needs, efficiency and financial situation of the companies.
In doing so, he wants to prevent problems that previously arose at state-owned companies from continuing to recur.
Concrete results in government project policy
Van Samson also criticised the implementation of government policy. According to him, too much emphasis is placed on announcing projects, while concrete results remain lacking. He referred in this regard to school renovations and announced housing construction.
The parliamentarian believes that when presenting plans, the government must also indicate when the work will begin and within what timeframe results are expected. He advocates concrete goals and an approach in which progress can be assessed.
He also expects clear measures for the continuity of education, food security and environmental problems.
According to Van Samson, with a majority of 34 seats in De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament), the government has sufficient political support to implement necessary changes. He therefore believes that President Simons and her cabinet must take responsibility and provide concrete answers to problems at state-owned companies and other social issues.
