The Namibian government has banned government officials from buying new cars till 2025, a decision taken to mitigate the effect of the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.
President Hage Geingob who made the announcement on Twitter on Thursday May 14, also directed a cap on monthly fuel consumption by public office holders.
He said the decision would save the country 200 million Namibian dollars (US$10.7 million), which will be directed “to urgent priorities, specifically at a time when the country is dealing with the health and economic implications of COVID-19”.
The statement read in parts;
“GOVERNMENT WILL NOT ORDER A NEW VEHICLE FLEET FOR THE EXECUTIVE AND PUBLIC OFFICE BEARERS FOR THE PERIOD 2020-2025.
“SAVINGS OF 200 MILLION NAMIBIA DOLLARS (ABOUT $10.8 MILLION) WILL BE DIRECTED TO URGENT PRIORITY AREAS.”
The southern African country of 2.5 million people has so far recorded 16 cases of COVID-19, with no deaths.
Namibian ministers and their deputies each qualify for Mercedes-Benz vehicles upon their appointment. In 2002, then-president Sam Nujoma had banned the use of Mercedes-Benz, insisting that ministers should ride in Toyota Camry cars.
