Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
Cash-strapped Masvingo City Council plans to spend at least $300 000 to boost its refuse collection fleet and other key operations, as part of efforts to improve service delivery in the country’s oldest town. Council plans to purchase a complement of eight new trucks, some of which will be used for municipal police operations that have been hamstrung by lack of transport.

City Mayor Councillor Hubert Fidze yesterday singled out the municipal police department as presently plagued by transport shortages, with only a single vehicle operational. “We have resolved to buy eight pick-up trucks from Willowvale Motor Industries for use by our municipal police whose operations have been hindered by transport challenges,’’ he said.

“Council will also soon invite tenders for the supply and delivery of a brand new refuse collection truck and we are looking forward to using around $300 000 on the fleet boosting project.”

Cllr Fidze said council would also procure additional road maintenance equipment, to complement the $400 000 worth of front-end loaders, graders and one truck, recently acquired, after council introduced a road levy in the city. Masvingo City treasurer Mrs Thandiwe Dube said the State Procurement Board had already given council the nod to purchase operations vehicles from Willowvale.

She said delivery of the vehicles from Willowvale might be delayed, amid reports the company was waiting for foreign currency allocation from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to import key components required in the assembly of the ordered vehicles.

Council also plans to procure vehicles for the city’s deputy departmental heads from Willowvale.

Masvingo City Council last year courted the ire of residents after splashing half a million dollars on brand new Mazda BT50 vehicles for senior management.

Residents argued that the cash- strapped local authority was prioritising “flamboyance’’ ahead of service delivery.

Masvingo city’s entire vehicle fleet has been wasting away at the Messenger of Court premises after being attached in 2011 following a $3,5 million salaries suit pitting council against its workers.

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