The Ministry of Works and Transport is hoping to reform government garages by the end of the year.

It plans amongst others implementing changes in procurement and information and communication technology policies.

This was said by Deputy Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi, when he toured two government garages in Windhoek’s southern industrial area to assess their state on Friday.

Nekundi, who also visited the garages on Monday, said he found that one of the major problems government garages are facing is the procurement of spare parts for vehicles in need of repair or servicing.

He said the ministry has started with the process of reforming government garages around the country to address the shortage of vehicles in various ministries and agencies.

Part of the process will be policy changes in procurement and information and communication technology.

“All the processes should bring tangible changes by the end of the year for smooth operations in all government garages, but we have to be considerate of the current economic situation,” Nekundi said.
The deputy minister also expressed disappointment at seeing more than half the vehicles parked outside in the sun while parking spaces were not occupied and parking areas were overgrown.

“The president made it categorically clear in his appointment letter to myself and my minister that one of our priority areas is to reform the government garages. That is why I am here today to communicate and engage our colleagues who are directly in charge of government garages, and our first step is to ensure the basic appearance of the garage,” said Nekundi.

Senior artisan foreman and head of the Khomas region government garage, Mathew Shikongo said there are currently 288 vehicles waiting to be repaired in the two garages. Some have been there since last year. He said one of the challenges they face is a lack of specialised mechanics to repair vehicles like Mercedes Benz and BMW.

“Cars like BMW have an option where you can go and try to clear a fault, but it will tell you to consult the dealer,” said Shikongo. 

– Nampa