Orsi's SUV: ANEP accepts president's donation, but its destination remains undecided

Uruguay's National Public Education Administration (ANEP) has officially accepted a donation from President Yamandú Orsi: his Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. The acceptance comes 10 days after Orsi announced his intention to donate the vehicle, which had been a subject of public scrutiny due to its purchase price and timing.

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The president asked me if we had a need to expand transport capacity, I answered yes, and then he communicated that he was going to donate the SUV.

President Orsi acquired the seven-seater SUV for $25,000 less than its list price shortly before assuming office. The controversy surrounding the purchase led him to offer the vehicle as a donation to ANEP. Sources within ANEP confirmed that the governing board, the Codicen, unanimously voted to accept the donation, describing it as a standard procedure for such contributions.

The vehicle is intended for the transportation of schoolchildren. ANEP President Pablo Caggiani stated that the need for expanded transport capacity is significant, particularly for students in rural areas who face long commutes. He also mentioned the possibility of using the SUV for transporting students with special educational needs.

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There are children in Uruguay who wake up at five in the morning and return at seven or eight at night due to bus frequency. Therefore, transportation is a very important need for us, and it is a need that always requires more.

However, the specific destination and deployment of the donated vehicle are still being determined. ANEP has indicated that the administrative procedures for receiving the car are ongoing and may take some time. While some ANEP sources have suggested selling the vehicle to purchase multiple smaller vehicles for student transport, the administration has not confirmed this plan, stating that details will be provided once finalized. Information regarding ANEP's current vehicle fleet for student transport was also not readily available, described as not being centralized.

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It will be used, either for rural transport, which may be limited; or for transporting children with special education needs, who often live far from the school they need to attend.