Namibia Bans Purchase Of Cars For Politicians

Namibia president, Hage Geingob, on Thursday, imposed a five-year ban on purchase of new cars for top politicians and government officials in the country.
He said the decision is to allow funds to be channeled into fighting coronavirus.
Presidential spokesperson, Alfredo Hengari, in a statement, said Geingob “has directed that the vehicle fleet of the Namibian government will not be renewed for the period 2020-2025”.
“No new vehicles will be purchased for members of the executive and public office bearers in the Namibian government.”
He said the decision will save 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”.
Namibian ministers and their deputies qualify for Mercedes-Benz vehicles once appointed.
The president also directed a limit on monthly fuel consumption for top politicians, the government stated.
In 2002, then-president, Sam Nujoma, had banned the use of Mercedes-Benz cars, insisting that ministers should ride in Toyota Camry cars.