Policy breach as garaging Govt vehicles at officer’s home is forbidden

Garaging of government vehicles at an officer's home is forbidden unless with prior approval in writing by the Permanent Secretary for Finance.

Following the death of two men in an alleged hit-and-run case along Bau Road on Sunday morning involving a government vehicle, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Luke Rokovada says they are currently reviewing the policy relating to drivers of government vehicles being allowed to garage vehicles at their homes after working hours.

He says garaging of vehicles at an officer's home will only apply in very exceptional circumstances to suit the exigencies of government services.

Rokovada says the Public Service Commission with the Ministry of Finance will urgently review the current policy on garaging of Government vehicles at homes.

While conveying the government’s sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the two men, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the Police and the Office of Prime Minister are investigating all aspects of the incident.

He says it was shocking news to hear about the passing of two of our fellow citizens over the weekend.

Ro Filipe says he has asked the Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister to reach out to the families, and they need to assist in whatever way they can.

The Acting Prime Minister adds that he has discussed with the Chairman of the Public Service Commission to tighten up Government vehicle use.

He says all Ministries must strictly abide by the policy on drivers garaging official government vehicles after work hours, which they should have been doing.

Ro Filipe says Permanent Secretaries are warned to strictly monitor and adhere, as other stricter measures are being looked into.

He adds that he has also advised all Ministers and Assistant Ministers to remain alert and be compliant and vigilant on the official vehicle use.