Thursday July 11, 2024
FILE - Government vehicles in Puntland, Somalia. The General Auditor of Puntland has mandated the return of such vehicles held by private individuals, warning of legal action for non-compliance.
Garowe (HOL) — The General Auditor of Puntland has mandated the return of government vehicles held by private individuals, warning of legal action for non-compliance. This follows an investigation revealing that many government-owned vehicles are missing, with some being traded in markets or sold outside Puntland.
Osman Mohamed Ali Gaas, the General Auditor, stated that those not in government positions but in possession of a government vehicle must return it to the Auditor's Office by July 16, 2024. Names of individuals failing to comply will be forwarded to law enforcement agencies for legal action.
The investigation found numerous government vehicles missing, particularly during the recent Puntland elections. An inventory was conducted, listing the vehicles, their license plates, and the last known custodians. The audit uncovered instances of vehicles being unlawfully taken or stolen.
“Government vehicles are intended for use by officials to serve the people of Puntland during their tenure. When their term ends, these vehicles must be included in the handover process,” Gaas emphasized. He noted that compliance with this directive is crucial for proper asset management and public service.
The directive has been communicated to relevant authorities, including the Attorney General of Puntland, the Chief of Puntland Police, and the Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and Housing.
Several former politicians and military officials still possess government-owned vehicles, exacerbating the issue of missing assets. The Puntland government's directive aims to reclaim these vehicles to ensure they are properly managed and used for public benefit.
FILE - Osman Mohamed Ali Gaas, the General Auditor of Puntland, who has mandated the return of government vehicles held by private individuals and warned of legal action for non-compliance.