4.3.6 A work study conducted in 2003 found that for the management area to operate effectively on a five-day work week, it would need 2 704 officials. Given that only 1 709 of the 1 888 financed posts were filled, the implementation of the 7DE has stretched manpower to the absolute limit. The situation was beyond the area and the region's control, however, as the implementation of the 7DE was a national directive.