Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani on Wednesday questioned works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi over why the leader of the official opposition has still not been assigned a government car as part of his benefits.
Last year, Independent Patriots for Change president Pandulenti Itula said Imms Nashinge, who serves as leader of the official opposition in parliament, would not accept perks from the government as the position was created unconstitutionally.
“I want to ask when you are going to give what belongs to the leader of the official opposition what is right fully his. You are all VIPs, and you have your vehicles, but he (Nashinge) does not have, and this is what you did to me when I held the office,” Venaani asked.
In response, Nekundi assured that as long as the government provides vehicles for Cabinet ministers, the leader of the official opposition will also receive his.
“Immediately after the honourable assumed his office, I have been making follow-ups. As you are aware, there was a moratorium on government cars, and during such time, cars were not bought, and that caused the new administration to use second-hand cars,” he said.
“But after the moratorium, cars were bought and given to relevant ministers and the Presidency. I was informed that cars were given to the honourable, but he refused.”
Nekundi, however, said he has been informed that a new fleet will arrive soon, and once it does, the leader of the official opposition will be issued a vehicle.
He said an earlier arrangement to assign a car was refused, adding that Nashinge was offered two vehicles – a Prado and a Fortuner – which Nekundi claims he turned down.
He said they are now awaiting new Prados with zero kilometres on the odometer, which he was informed by the people responsible for the fleet, and he promised to take accountability.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
