The Finance Ministry has addressed concerns regarding the misuse of government vehicles by issuing a circular in July, in response to public complaints. The circular outlines various guidelines to ensure proper management and care of these vehicles, emphasizing that they are to be used solely for official government purposes and prohibiting any detours for personal use.
To use government vehicles outside of normal working hours, an official vehicle pass must be obtained from the transport officer. Furthermore, all government vehicle operators are required to possess a valid driving license, a defensive driving certificate, and written authorization from Permanent Secretaries and Department Heads.
The Ministry stressed that government drivers should exemplify good driving practices, comply with road regulations, and respect other road users, while refraining from abusing their authority.
Recently, opposition parliamentarian Jone Usamate raised alarms about the misuse of government vehicles, alleging that some drivers were disregarding road rules. He highlighted issues such as speeding and improper use of rotating flashing lights during non-emergency situations, which he claimed contravened the law.
Mr. Usamate also pointed out that the government’s transport policy is not being adhered to, particularly regarding the proper garaging of vehicles. According to the policy, drivers should park vehicles at their agency’s designated garage or car park at the end of each business day, except in exceptional circumstances where prior approval has been granted.
He noted that it is common to see government vehicles commuting from homes to offices during peak morning hours, often picking up officials along the way, despite the policy stating that only Permanent Secretaries are entitled to the use of government vehicles. Usamate called for an end to these practices, citing the potential drain on public resources.