Thabiso Nxumalo
Masvingo City Council is currently experiencing shortages of functional ambulances as its fleet is succumbing to break-downs as a result of misuse with 95 percent of mileage being attributed to errands not related to patients transfer.
The shocking revelation was made by the Public Works and Planning Committee during the full council meeting on May 30, 2022 at the Civic Centre.
The committee revealed that council ambulances were always on break down as a result of misuse, claiming that 95 percent of the mileage was due to employees’ personal errands.
“Concern was also raised that Municipal Ambulances were always on breakdown partly due to misuse by sections involved since 95 percent of the mileage recorded was not related to patients transfer, but other staff errands.
“It was highlighted that ambulances should be parked at the fire station and used only for its purpose of carrying patients,” read part of the minutes.
This statement highlighted the level of negligence of council vehicles as the committee also submitted that 2019 traffic violations were recorded for April 2022 through the vehicle tracking system.
“The report on vehicle tracking during the month of April 2022 was considered, it was indicated that a total of 2019 violations have been committed by several drivers during the month.
“The violations covered over speeding, harsh braking, harsh turning and idling,” the minutes indicated.
As a panacea, council resolved that Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa should approach potential donors in the province with the hope of getting more ambulances.
This revelation comes barely three months after Ward 10 councilor Sengerai Manyanga submitted during a full council meeting that vehicles were spotted at inappropriate places such as entertainment venues and at a CCC rally that was held in Rujeko in March 2022.
