State House wanted new cars for JB’s convoy

The State House recently made inquiries at Toyota Malawi about the possibility of buying four top range vehicles including a luxurious 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 which would cost the taxpayer about K157 million, Weekend Nation can reveal.
This is despite the ban government issued in December to stop its departments from buying vehicles after a whopping K32 billion was cut from the budget due to the looting of public funds at Capital Hill and the subsequent donor aid withdrawal.
Presidential press secretary Steven Nhlane said last week that State House intended to beef up the President’s security following the loss of two Hummers and two Land Rovers which, according to dealers, cannot be repaired.
Nhlane said: “On seeking final authority on the matter, Her Excellency Dr Joyce Banda directed the management of State House to stop the procurement of vehicles in view of the prevailing economic situation.
“Her Excellency further directed that management should make use of available vehicles within the system.”
The purchase proposal was made despite tough economic measures to cut spending in government institutions as announced by Finance Minister Maxwell Mkwezalamba last November.
The measures included suspension of the purchase of new vehicles, suspension of internal and external travels by government officers.
The proposal also comes at a time when government is failing to stock public hospitals with drugs while some government departments cannot afford even stationery to print memos.
Weekend Nation revealed two weeks ago how civil service operations in the country have ground to a halt due to lack of funding as a result of Cashgate.
According to our findings, the V8 costs K80 million duty inclusive while the Land Cruiser single cabin cost K19 million duty inclusive.
The double cabin on the other hand costs K39 million duty inclusive, but State House does not pay duty on vehicles.
Malawi’s major donors under the Common Approach to Budget Support (Cabs) last November announced suspension of $150 million towards the 2013/14 National Budget that expires on June 30 this year. n