Andrew Solomon Napuat

Public servants could tap into other business ventures if they wish to but public land transport operations should be left to someone who is neither a public servant, police officer or a teacher.

Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat made the statement to clarify the confusion surrounding a proposed decision to ban public servants from owning land public transports.

At the end of January, the announcement on this plan by the minister sparked a lot of negative criticisms from the public, particularly the public servants.

A lot of public servants and Members of Parliament own and operate their private businesses aside from their constant jobs. One of the many reasons that raised their disappointment in the initiative is that the cost of living is very high compared to the what they are earning from their permanent jobs.

Members of the general public were curious to know if the proposed ban on public land transports operations owned by public servants and MPs will be extended to other businesses as well.

Napuat said this proposed plan will allow opportunity to others to operate this business sector but government employees and MPs can set up other businesses to sustain their living.

Minister Napuat has announced that the plan to block public servants, police officers, teachers and members of Parliament from owning taxis and buses will be effective from January 1, 2019.

With less than 12 months grace period for civil servants to prepare themselves and transfer their public land transport businesses to their relatives or disengage in this sector, the Minister of Internal Affairs has informed that his ministry welcomes all comments and contributions from the public on this matter.

source:Vanuatu daily post