Bujumbura, Burundi - Burundi has saved about US$ 6 million following its policy to withdraw official cars from public officials, an official source told PANA here. The source said the amount represented a little more than half the projected figure. Withdrawal of official cars began in 2010 with the result that of the 1,647 vehicles, government now has only 300. The defence and security corps, some departments in the decentralised ministries, including health and education, senior officials in the presidency, ministers, heads of departments and directors are the only institutions and officials now allowed to keep some vehicles for protocol.

A report said the Upper Chamber of Parliament was dissatisfied with the 3 billion francs (about US$ 3 million) that was spent on hiring private vehicles in 2010.

It noted that the expenditure on fuel, lubricants and other expenses was still high at about 33 billion Burundian francs (about US$ 33 million).

The cost of repair of official vehicles is said to be about 20 billion francs.

Pana 26/03/2011