Windhoek: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare on Monday instructed government officials to safeguard food-for-work and cash-for-work programs as ministries strive to identify N.dollars 2.3 billion in annual savings essential for reducing Namibia's fiscal deficit.According to Namibia Press Agency, the goal is to decrease the deficit from 5.5 percent to 3.3 percent of the gross domestic product by the 2028/29 fiscal year. During the 2026/27 Budget Reform Roll-Out Workshop, Ngurare emphasized that while the savings target is non-negotiable, social protection programs remain a priority. He described food-for-work initiatives as crucial, having effectively impacted communities. Ngurare urged officials to consult with the Finance Minister if cuts to these programs seemed unavoidable.Ngurare also criticized the inefficient workshop culture prevalent in the public service, advising executive directors to avoid justifying unnecessary activities. He highlighted the absurdity of holding workshops on trivial topics like co unting frog teeth, advocating for a more sensible approach to government operations.Raising concerns about the National Youth Development Fund, Ngurare noted that the program, initially launched as collateral-free, has been altered to reintroduce collateral requirements. He expressed disapproval of applicants with Grade 9 education being rejected without legal grounds, questioning the criteria used to disqualify them.On the topic of outcome-based budgeting, the Prime Minister announced that eight ministries are expected to submit their initial reports to the Ministry of Finance and the National Planning Commission by the second quarter of 2026. Remaining offices, ministries, and agencies will follow suit in the 2027/28 period.Ngurare also addressed the issue of incomplete capital projects across the nation, pointing out that funds have been repeatedly spent on projects already studied for feasibility, with new studies commissioned upon securing fresh funding. He referenced hospital projects at Nkurenkur u, Ondangwa, Otjiwarongo, and Havana as examples where funding was recently obtained through the Development Bank of Namibia.He concluded by stating that executive directors would be held accountable for these issues, with signed action plans expected within one month of the workshop.