the local authorities, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the total number of s…
(No. B/66) Mr R. Beechook (Second Member for Flacq & Bon Accueil) asked the Minister of Local Government whether, in regard to the local authorities, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the total number of staff recruited in each local authority during the year 2024, indicating if these recruitments were accounted for in the budget for the corresponding financial year.
Reply: I have been informed by the Local Government Service Commission that a total of 1,765 appointments were made, and 32 staff members were promoted within local authorities during the calendar year 2024, covering the period from 01 January to 03 October, the eve of the issuance of the Writ of Elections. A detailed breakdown of these appointments, categorised by local authority, is being tabled for the information of the House. I wish to inform the House that these recruitments were accounted for in the financial years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, during their respective budget preparation and approval processes. Additionally, the previous government approved the creation of 998 new positions within local authorities in 2024. Given that this was a general election year, separate financial clearances for these positions were sought and obtained on 24 April, 30 May, 11 June, 02 July, 15 July, and 23 September for the year 2024. However, the Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission has since reported serious irregularities in the recruitment process at the Commission between January 2022 and October 2024. These irregularities include the 998 appointments made in various grades in the months leading up to the issuance of the Writ of Elections. In light of these concerns, the Local Government Service Commission formally sought legal advice from the Attorney General's Office on 10 December 2024 regarding the legality of these appointments. The Attorney General's Office has advised that all decisions taken by the Chairperson of the Local Government Service Commission regarding appointments and promotions under delegated powers are legally void. Furthermore, the Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission has requested further clarification from the Attorney General's Office on the legal implications of these appointments and promotions. Once the final legal advice is received, the matter will be referred to Cabinet for appropriate consideration, and the necessary policy decisions will be taken to ensure that due process is followed in addressing these irregularities.
161 MAHEBOURG MARKET – RENOVATION WORK – FINANCIAL CLEARANCE