By Mathias Haufiku

WINDHOEK - The ruling party yesterday handed over eight vehicles worth N$3,1 million to eight of its regional coordinators to improve mobility around their regions while carrying out party functions.

Swapo’s regional coordinators from Kavango East, Erongo, Kunene, Kavango West, Oshikoto, Oshana, Omusati and Omaheke were given their brand new vehicles by the ruling party’s secretary for transport, Jerry Ekandjo.

He said the party has not bought any cars in the last ten years, hence they saw the need for new cars because the old fleet has become faulty and are constantly in the workshop for costly repairs.

“We bought these cars ourselves, Swapo bought these cars from its own budget,” Ekandjo said.

Towards the end of last year, the party handed over cars to six regions – Khomas, Hardap, Karas, Ohangwena, Zambezi and Otjozondjupa – with a combined value of N$2,1 million.

Speaking to New Era after the handover ceremony, Kavango East Regional Coordinator, Johanna Kandjimi, said the new car would enable her to effectively carry out her party functions and allow her to visit all parts of the region.

“I am very grateful … when I go back I have to draw up my schedule so that I can visit all the districts. With the elections coming up, the vehicle will help us to travel the region as we carry out our mobilisation activities so that the party performs well during the elections,” said an excited Kandjimi.

Asked whether the cars were bought specifically for this year’s national elections, Ekandjo answered: “No. The elections will come and go and the coordinators will use the cars to carry out party activities in their respective regions.”