President Hage Geingob of Namibia announced a ban on purchase of new cars for government officials till 2025, a decision taken to mitigate the economic and financial effect of the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.
The President made the announcement on Twitter on Thursday May 14, and 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.
