Toyota land cruiser - V8

Bank of South Sudan’s First Deputy Governor has called on government institutions to stop buying expensive cars such as V8s to save more money to improve the economy.

Samuel Yanga said the country can emulate the austerity measures the Khartoum government took in 1992, when all expensive government vehicles were sold, which saved 13 per cent of the country’s revenues.

He said V8s are costly and are not contributing to the economy of the country.

Samuel also added that the money used for luxurious vehicles can be utilized for service delivery.

He was speaking during a joint press conference held by the Finance Ministry and the Bank of South Sudan in Juba on Saturday.

“We should avoid bringing V8s and this reminds me of an experience in Khartoum in 1992, the minister [finance] then in Sudan had taken a very bold decision, but of course with the support of the leadership in Khartoum. The economy in the then Sudan was already deteriorating because of our war from here in the South,” said Yanga.

“What they did, was to sell out all government vehicles, and ministers and undersecretaries only had a small Cressida [toyota], but because Bashir provided him with the support he succeeded. That could be done here if we can help ourselves.”

In August, the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Baak Barnaba discouraged the purchasing of luxury vehicles such as V8 and V6 models, saying he would impose heavy taxation on their imports.

According to him, such a move will help divert funds towards more pressing economic priorities, ensuring that resources are channelled towards the recovery and growth of the nation.