GOVT DRIVERS WARNED
Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu called on ministers to put more pressure on permanent secretaries on the safe keep of Government vehicles.
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | 10:48
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad has warned government drivers to stop abusing vehicles.
He reminded them to adhere to the Public Service Regulations when operating the government vehicle fleet. Mr Prasad reiterated that the abuse of government vehicles would not be tolerated.
He urged members of the public to report any misuse of government vehicles by calling the toll-free number 1526.
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“We are urging public to report any abuse by anyone including drivers and officials within Government,” Mr Prasad said.
“Anyone caught abusing vehicle will be dealt with as per the policy and guidelines that are there.”
He made it clear that only permanent secretaries and ministers were entitled to vehicles.
“Other vehicles are for services and the work they do during the day. There are times when a vehicle may be needed beyond work hours, and there are guidelines on how that should be handled.
“But people who take vehicles for grocery shopping is not acceptable and cannot be tolerated.
“We have an insurance as part for Government fleet arrangement, but the point is that’s also a process. When a vehicle gets into an accident, there are no replacements available which disrupts services.”
Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu called on ministers to put more pressure on permanent secretaries on the safe keep of Government vehicles.
“There is a public service regulation that clearly outlines the processes and control systems for Government vehicles.
“I travel from here to my village in Tailevu, I see Government vehicles parked in homes. There is a special regulation for the garaging of vehicles.
“In the Public Service regulations, there are only two officials in any ministry that are entitled to Government vehicle. The Minister and the PS. That has not changed. Look at the way Government vehicles are abused.
“It brings extra cost and there are extra cost when they drive from their homes to their workplace. I call on the PS and the Government to enforce these regulations.”
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