Namibian President, Hage Geingob has slapped a five-year ban on buying new cars for top politicians and government officials in order to channel funds into fighting coronavirus, his office said on Thursday.
President Geingob “directed that the vehicle fleet of the Namibian government will not be renewed for the period 2020-2025,” presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari announced in a statement.
“No new vehicles will be purchased for members of the executive and public office bearers in the Namibian government,” the statement said.
He said the decision would save some 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 southern African country of 2.5 million people has so far recorded 16 cases of COVID-19, with no deaths, an AFP report said.
Namibian ministers and their deputies each qualify for Mercedes-Benz vehicles upon their appointment.
The president also directed a limit on monthly fuel consumption for top politicians, the government said.
In 2002, then-president Sam Nujoma had banned the use of Mercedes-Benzes, insisting that ministers should ride in Toyota Camry cars.
Covid-19: ‘No new cars for top politicians, officials in next five years’ – Namibian President
Namibia incumbent President and Namibia ruling party South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) presidential candidate Hage Geingob (C) speaks with journalists after voting on November 27, 2019 in Windhoek, Namibia. (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP)