The Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Agency has warned 328 newly recruited employees that leaving their assigned duty stations without authorisation could result in disciplinary action.
The warning was issued on Tuesday by Deputy Conservation Commissioner responsible for Support Services and Administration, DCC Emmanuel Wilfred Kiboko, as the recruits underwent an induction programme in Dodoma.
Mr Kiboko said the new employees must report to their respective duty stations within seven days of receiving their employment letters, after which station heads would be required to confirm their arrival and assign them responsibilities.
“Leaving your duty station through any means may result in disciplinary action for absenteeism,” he said.
He urged the recruits to familiarise themselves with public service regulations and employment conditions, saying failure to observe them could affect their careers.
Mr Kiboko also cautioned the recruits against leaving their stations to complete unfinished studies without following the required procedures and obtaining approval from the Conservation Commissioner.
He said TFS had identified cases where some station heads allowed employees to leave their workstations to complete their studies without the required authorisation.
“Those who allow such employees to leave without approval may also face disciplinary action,” he said.
The warning comes as the agency seeks to ensure that the newly recruited workforce is deployed effectively to areas where TFS needs additional manpower.
Mr Kiboko said the 328 recruits were hired to strengthen the agency’s capacity to carry out its responsibilities, adding that they were expected to contribute to improved efficiency and increased government revenue.
He said employees would also have opportunities for professional development, with TFS using a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) to identify institutional skills gaps and determine priority areas for training.
The agency’s training programme, he added, also considers the needs of individual employees, the timing of training and available budget.
Mr Kiboko encouraged the recruits to join professional associations related to their fields, citing the Tanzania Association of Foresters (TAF) for forestry professionals.
He described public service as a continuous learning process, urging the recruits to maintain discipline, integrity and professionalism throughout their careers.
“You must protect the reputation of TFS, the public service, yourselves and your families throughout your service,” he said.