Between January 2023 and February 2025, a total of 756 accidents involving government-owned and leased vehicles occurred, resulting in repair costs estimated at $7,146,267.13. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, disclosed this information during a parliamentary session in response to a question.
Professor Prasad noted that the incidents include $566,150.01 in insurance excess related to leased vehicles, which can be recovered from negligent drivers through surcharges. During the specified timeframe, 2,330 authorized drivers, including 2,084 officers from the Fiji Police Force, were onboarded, and 143 of these drivers were involved in accidents. The government has imposed surcharges totaling $203,362.48—$122,182.06 for accidents involving leased vehicles and $81,180.42 for government-owned vehicles.
Additionally, the Surcharge Unit managed to process 131 cases, recovering $125,992.69 from salary deductions. The incidents led insurance companies to approve the write-off of 56 leased vehicles, with repair costs estimated at $2.75 million incurred. Drivers also contributed $56,300.00 in insurance excess through these surcharges.
These statistics reflect ongoing concerns regarding the management and use of government vehicles, a topic that has been a focus of previous reports and discussions. For instance, public officials, including Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, have previously urged the government to enhance accountability measures regarding the use of these assets, as incidents of misuse and regulatory violations continue to emerge.
In response to the growing issues surrounding the misuse of government vehicles, stringent measures have been proposed to enhance oversight and ensure compliance with road safety regulations. The government aims to instill a culture of responsibility among its drivers by implementing better monitoring systems and encouraging public involvement in reporting misconduct through a toll-free hotline.
By taking these steps, the government is not only looking to reduce the frequency of accidents but is also committed to fostering safer driving practices, thereby enhancing public safety overall. This proactive approach indicates a positive shift towards responsible governance and improved management of public resources.
Leave a comment