Dr Riek Machar, Juba, 2013

Vice President Dr. Riek Machar says the government may introduce a system to allow employees to buy their government allocated vehicles and houses.

The purchase would be done through hire purchase.

“By leasing assets to individuals, funds will be made for other services,” said. Dr. Riek.

“The feeling is that cars which bought by Government should be owned by that particular minister or undersecretary on hire purchase bases.

“We have discussed it in the council; it has been given to the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs. So, you will maintain the car, you will not keep it carelessly.

“We will reduce government expenditure on vehicles or maintaining government houses.”

Many African countries have tried this system and it worked. Rwanda is an example.

Eastern Equatoria state has had this system in place for a few years now.

Governor Luis Lobong said leasing cars and houses has saved the state government money.

“We in Eastern Equatoria we have started it since we came in 2010. Since that time, there have been very few reports of accident. The cost of maintenance has reduced.”

The national government will conduct a study to see if the policy would work for their employees throughout South Sudan.