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THE WRITER: Henry Kajura |
Land Cruisers for ministers a policy matter
This is in response to the public concern about the proposed procurement of Toyota Land Cruisers for ministers.
· When Prime Minister, Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, met members of the parliamentary committee on Presidential and Foreign Affairs, he was asked by Hon. Aggrey Awori to clarify the official policy regarding vehicles for ministers and state ministers. Prof. Nsibambi pointed out that this question should have been raised with the 2nd deputy prime minister and minister of public service who is in charge of the policy. However, the prime minister said according to a Cabinet decision, all ministers should have Toyota Land Cruisers for official use.
· The daily newspapers have recently carried articles, cartoons and letters attacking the prime minister as if he initiated the policy. This was a Cabinet decision based on sound reasons.
· It should be noted that prior to 1997, ministers and ministers of state were entitled to two official vehicles and they travelled by first class air ticket. In the 1997/98 financial year, the facilitation was reduced to one official vehicle and travel by club class. This was a deliberate effort by the Government to reduce costs on public administration.
· In a bid to ensure standardisation, economy and modesty of vehicles for political leaders and other entitled officer, Cabinet, in the 1999/2000 financial year, approved a policy of provision of Toyota Prados as official vehicles for ministers and state ministers.
l In 2004/2005 financial year, Cabinet reviewed the policy and in keeping with recent developments, opted for the Toyota Land Cruiser as one of the most suitable and robust vehicles to faciliate ministers in carrying out their work, which includes monitoring the implementation of Government programmes and consulting with their constituents, since they a
re also
members of parliament.
· The procurement of these vehicles is being done in a phased manner and within the budget ceilings of ministries. In other words, there will be no diversion of funds already earmarked for other priorities.
· The repair of roads is also being undertaken in accordance with the road sector development plan. To this end, many roads have been rehabilitated, resurfaced or upgraded. Presently many roads are undergoing repair and upgrading and others are about to start. This is an ongoing effort and the Government is committed to improving the state of roads countrywide. Roads take a long time to study, design and detail out and to reconstruct or construct; they cost colossal sums of money. This is why the Government had to draw up a 10-year programme.
· The public is informed that ministers and state ministers are mindful of the fact that budget resources should be spent frugally and in line with priorities and national interest. In the short run, it is necessary to procure the Land cruisers. Then the policy will be reviewed to take account of changes in motor vehicle technology and progress made in rehabilitation of the road network.
The writer is 2nd Deputy Prime Minister/ Minister of Public Service
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