The Associate Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang, has called on the government to stop wasting public money being spent by government officials on accessorising their taxpayerfunded cars.
Speaking to the Samoa Observer, the Individual Voters’ Member says he has been pushing for a policy that no government vehicles should be accessorised in any manner.
“If you see the C.E.O vehicles they are all tinted windows, mag wheels and chrome bumpers,” he said. “I am sick of it. They are just spending money for nothing when they only need the wheels.”
What’s more, Papali’i said the government is “paying for the fuel as well” which means more taxpayers’ money being wasted. “So they are getting free fuel and I have been pushing for this to change.”
He said now the government has realised what is going on it was working on some regulations to ensure that all public servants adhere to the rules.
But it appears that Papali’i is not the only Member of Parliament who is sick of this abuse of public monies.
In the Finance and Expenditure Committee’s (F.E.C.) latest report on Main Estimates of Receipts and Payments of the Government of Samoa for the Financial Year Ending June 30 2015, the Cabinet directive on vehicles was reprinted in full.
Papali’i is the Chairman of the Committee.
Tafua Maluelue Tafua is the Deputy Chairman while members include Palusalue Fa’apo II, Lealaileupule Rimoni Aiafi, Afualo Dr. Wood Salele, Tialavea Fea Seigafolava and Taefu Lemi Taefu.
“The Committee throughout its scrutiny noted its concern of the abuse of Government vehicles by Public Officials causing unnecessary expenditures,” the report reads.
“This is one of the most pressing issues which Government should consider as a priority to reduce spending.
<!-- 336x280 (bottom-article) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-2469982834957525"
data-ad-slot="1033882026"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}
“The Committee confirmed that a Cabinet Directive has already been issued (F.K.) 13(17) which clearly outlined all the requirements and conditions with regards to all Government vehicles.”
The Committee then republishes this Directive, the Operation of Government Vehicles, in full as follows:
“The Council of Deputies, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary, President of the Land & Titles Court, Speaker of the House, Associate Ministers, Leader of the Opposition, Chief Executive Officers of all Government Ministries and Corporations are entitled to one Government vehicle for the operation of their service. “The operation of these vehicles by a child/children or a family relative except those mentioned above.
“The following Senior Government Official’s Spouses may operate these vehicles only if they produce valid driver’s license, Council of Deputies, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Justice, President of the Land & Titles Court, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Leader of the Opposition. “All Associate Ministers are entitle to operate double-cab pickups for their use, and maintenance of such vehicle is funded under the budget of the Ministry or Corporation which the Associate Minister is affiliated to.
“Only the Spouses of Associate Ministers are allowed to drive if they have valid driver's license, but their children are not allowed to drive these vehicles.”
In regards to all other Government Officials, the Directive reads that all Chief Executive Officers of Government Ministries and Corporations are entitle to standard double cab pickups.
“Spouses and children of all Departmental Heads are not entitle to drive allocated Government vehicles at all times,” according to the report.
“For Assistant Chief Executive Officers, transport allowances have been allocated as part of their basic salaries.
“This implies that they are not entitled to Government vehicles". The Directive states that the Minister may buy to own the specific vehicle, which he/she used during his/her time in office when the Parliamentary Term expires or when he/she is not re-elected into Parliament.
It also states that to ensure efficient maintenance of Government Asset register for all Departmental vehicles.
“To ensure Departmental number plates are attached to all Government vehicles for which they are registered to,” it reads.
“No Departmental car is allowed to use the Government Bowser unless a Government licensed plate has already ben installed. ”All Government vehicles are prohibited from any additional accessories such as the following window tint, replacement of ordinary wheels to stylish mag wheels, upgrading car stereos, installing chrome tow bars and back fenders which are unnecessary, installing side steps, installing of stylish chrome lights, installing chrome silver grill.”
The F.E.C. confirmed as part of Cabinet Directive already been issued F.K. (13)17, a Committee was also appointed to monitor these vehicle policies which include the Ministry of Finance, the Public Service Commission, the Land Transport Authority and the Ministry of Police.
“The Ministry of Finance will preside as Chairperson of the Monitoring Committee,” the F.E.C.’s report reads.
“The Committee strongly recommends the appointed Monitoring Committee to give stern warnings to all Government Officials (C.E.O.s) to consider Government vehicles policies and Cabinet Directive, and it should be their responsibility to pay for their vehicle accessories cost.
“The Committee also recommends that Senior Government Officials should lead by example and take good care of these expensive public assets.”
<!-- ads-articles(24.03.14) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-9419815128221199"
data-ad-slot="2395638412"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}