Government Vehicle Drivers Breach Vehicle Policy, Sparks Fatal Accident

A fatal road incident allegedly involving the son of a Government vehicle driver has triggered a sweeping crackdown on the misuse of state vehicles, with Fiji's Public Service Commission (PSC) promising tough ac­tion and immediate policy reviews.

The tragedy on Sunday has cast a spotlight on longstanding issues surrounding the af­ter-hours use of government vehicles for personal errands and unauthor­ised transport.

Under the provisions of General Orders, garaging of a Government vehicle at an Officer's home is for­bidden unless with the prior ap­proval in writing of the Permanent Secretary for Finance, and this will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

PSC chairperson Luke Roko­vada confirmed the commission was working with the Office of the Prime Minister to investigate the involvement of the son of the Assistant Minister's driver. He stressed that the Government will not tolerate any abuse of taxpayer­funded assets.

"The Government does not con­done these types of incidents and will take tough action against per­petrators," Mr Rokovada said yes­terday.

"This matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness."

The accident has reignited con­cerns over the widespread practice of civil servants, particularly drivers, using government vehicles to buy grog (kava), run personal er­rands, or transport unauthorised passengers, especially after hours.

"There have been cases where drivers take Government vehicles home, use them to buy grog, or drop off people not authorised to be transported in those vehicles," he said.

"Such behaviour is unacceptable, and against policy."

He also raised alarm over reports of civil servants consuming grog within Government premises, sometimes during work hours, questioning how this affects driver responsibility and public safety.

Mr Rokovada stressed the need for discipline and accountability in the public service.

"This isn't just about one tragic incident," he added.

"We're seeing a pattern of misuse that we need to clamp down on. If a driver is drinking grog, then who is he driving for? He should leave the vehicle at the office. Govern­ment vehicles are not for personal errands or late-night socialising."

The PSC together with the Minis­try of Finance will urgently review the current policy on garaging of Government vehicles at homes, an arrangement likely to change in light of this incident. This will apply only in very exceptional circumstances to suit the exigencies of Government Services.

"We have to work together to tighten up all these practices," Mr Rokovada said.

"This is a matter of public safety, responsible governance, and re­spect for taxpayer-funded assets."

The investigation into the fatal incident is ongoing.

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