Regional Governors Urge Government to Lift Vehicle Purchase Ban and Update Travel Allowances

Regional governors are calling for the government to lift the ban on vehicle purchases for public officials and to update travel allowance rates. The ban, introduced in 2020 by former President Hage Geingob as a cost-cutting measure, restricts the purchase of new vehicles for senior government officials, including ministers and deputies. Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa clarified that the ban, which expires next year, applies only to 4x4s and sedans. He acknowledged the validity of the complaints from senior officials and noted that the policy was intended to cut transportation costs and encourage the use of existing government vehicles.