This week, Namibia issued a directive to ban foreign travel
for government officials. The decision was made as part of a series of budget
cuts, necessitated by declining diamond and uranium profits.
To me, this seems like an astounding measure. Imagine grounding
Air Force One and forcing Donald Trump to take a commercial flight every time
he wants to visit foreign soil. (Actually, that seems like a pretty good idea.)
Last week, Namibia’s president, Hage Geingob did exactly that, taking a
commercial flight to Ethiopia for the African Union Summit.
The ban will be in effect for all Namibian politicians at
least through the end of the month. Over the next few years, the government
plans to dismiss personnel and cut transportation costs to reduce federal spending.
New regulations will keep officials from taking more than
two foreign trips each year and will require them to register their trips with
the Secretary to Cabinet. Additionally, the government hopes to hold more
tele-meetings to reduce the need to go long distances.
Namibia is in a very difficult financial situation, and is
already cutting important expenditures, like soldiers’ income, to balance the
books. But the government is taking responsibility for reducing its spending,
and eliminating luxuries for the powerful before services for the citizens,
something I would like to see more of in America.
By Mini Racker
Sources:
So funny, I wrote my blog post about the Namibian economy before I saw this! My research also concluded that a declining mining industry is contributing towards economic hardship in Namibia.
ReplyDelete-Michelle H., 2/4
This is fascinating, especially your last point regarding the government taking responsibility. Where do you see the situation moving in the future? - Cecilia A. 2/5
ReplyDeleteYeah to me it seems like the Namibian government is willing to put money where its mouth is regarding cutting costs. It is impressive- Chris
ReplyDelete