There is no doubt that the number of government vehicles is just too large for a poor country like the Gambia. The amount of money spent on the buying, maintenance and upkeep of these vehicles is so huge that one cannot, in good conscience, reconcile the desire to curb government expenditure on the one hand, and this unnecessary expense on vehicles on the other. One wonders what type of austerity measures we are talking about here.
This concern has been observed and noted by some members of your government which warranted the revision of government policy on vehicles in our appropriation budget for 2018. This sought to cut the number of vehicles in government and cut the amount to be set aside for maintenance as well. This is prudent and commendable. Perhaps, that is why the National Assembly Members approved of this move.
However, it is reported that some ministers [or ministries] in your Cabinet were not happy with this move and sought to undermined it from the very beginning. It is rumoured that it is these same ministers or ministries that are now playing delay tactics to thwart all efforts to cut these expenses which will only go to impoverish our nation further.
One would have thought that with the way your government came into office, and the dire economic condition your government inherited, everyone will be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure that our economy recovers and picks up again for the general welfare of all and sundry.
It is said that the only hitch that was anticipated was the fact that some drivers would have to be laid off but then 20million dalasis was put aside to be given to those drivers when they are told to go home. That is the right thing to do. It will be for the good of all if we can save as much money as possible.
The vehicle policy was supposed to take effect on eleventh of January, 2018 as it had already been approved. But then it is reported that a statement from the presidency suspended it till further notice. This is not acceptable at all Mr President. What is the problem? Why is this delay and why do we have to continue spending insanely on vehicles which are certainly not needed?
Some Gambians have the concern that our donors like the IMF and the World Bank may not be happy if we do not implement the austerity measures; though this is courteous, it should not actually concern us much. These neocolonialist organizations only impose ideas that are not helpful for us. They have their own interests and it does not benefit us to kowtow behind them all the time.
Nonetheless, we should find ways and means to reduce our expenditures and increase out income. We should cut our coat according to our cloth. One of the ways we can do that is to reduce the number of government vehicles. Mr President, let this suspension be removed and the Implementation commence immediately.
Have a Good Day Mr President…
Tha Scribbler Bah
A Concerned Citizen
