Maseru, Jan. 13 — Heads of Departments have been urged to ensure safety and protection of government resources, in particular, vehicles to promote accountability and effective delivery of services.
The call was made by Maseru District Administrator Mr. Ts’epo Lethobane who told the Agency in an interview that all government vehicles in Maseru district, which would travel beyond normal working hours should have permits, starting this month.
“We also expect those which would travel over weekends and during holidays to have permits and the latter should indicate jurisdiction in which they would travel” he said, indicating that such permits will be accessible at his office.
He also indicated that in a situation where the vehicle belongs to the Ministry’s Headquarters, the permit will be issued by the Principal Secretary, urging officers to comply.
Meanwhile the Agency has earlier learnt that there has been public outrage on social media over the misuse of government vehicles, with some exposing officers who use them for personal purposes by capturing photos.
The Local Government Service Regulations, 2011 Section 53 (2) provides that the Head of Department or Chief Executive Officer may issue a special permit authorizing utilization of vehicles for official purposes after normal working hours, over weekends, during holidays with approval of the Principal Secretary or District Administrator of the relevant district,
In addition (3) provides that any government vehicle traveling without a permit outside official working hours shall be confiscated by a police officer-in-charge and disciplinary action shall be taken against an officer who is found to have misused a government vehicle and the officer’s Head of Department or Chief Executive Officer.
Ends/LP/BM
