admin
Freedom Mupanedemo Midlands Correspondent
THE Ascot High School bus levy issue has taken a new twist as the suppliers, AVM Africa (Pvt) Ltd, confirmed that they were facing viability challenges despite receiving a full payment of more than $130 000 for the bus from the Gweru school. AVM Africa (Pvt) Ltd is a Harare based coach/bus building company. Authorities at Ascot High School have since called for an emergency meeting with parents to map the way forward after the school paid $133 000 to AVM Africa towards the purchase of the bus, which the company has allegedly failed to deliver.
Chronicle is in possession of a copy of a letter, which AVM Africa wrote to Ascot High School apologising for their delay in delivering the bus.
In the letter, the company had promised to deliver the bus by the beginning of September but the school is yet to receive the bus.
“AVM Africa apologises for the delay in the manufacture of your bus. After receiving full payment on the 5th of June 2013 of $133 675 we anticipated completion on the 29th of July 2013.
Regrettably, factors beyond the control of AVM Africa delayed importation of the materials needed for the work on the bus to progress to subsequent stages. To date we have completed work on the frame, chassis and engine.
“We will accordingly advise completion dates on the rest of the bus once materials are released from bonded warehouse. Information on completion dates will be available to you during the week ending of 06/09/13,” read part of the letter addressed to the Ascot headmistress, Mrs Beatrice Erlwanger.
The delays have irked parents who were suspecting that the funds could have been embezzled. The sources said parents yesterday demanded an emergency meeting with the school authorities to map the way forward following delays.
The school headmistress, Mrs Erlwanger, spent the better part of the week in Harare where she has been trying to engage the AVM Africa management over the issue.
“The parents are, however angry over the delays by the manufacturer to deliver the bus and are now planning to take legal action against AVM Africa,” said the source.
Mrs Erlwanger could not be reached for comment yesterday as she was said to be locked in a series of meetings. The School Development Committee chairperson, Mr John Mupandaguta, confirmed the development yesterday.
He said parents had asked the school head to travel to Harare to meet AVM management over the issue.
“She (Mrs Erlwanger) is locked up in a meeting with the SDC members and senior members of staff. The headmistress was updating the committee on the latest development regarding the bus. We will also have a meeting today where we will discuss what action to take against the supplier because they have failed to deliver the bus on time.
We want to explore ways which can best help us to recover parents’ money since AVM Africa appear to be struggling to supply our bus,” said Mr Mupandaguta.
AVM marketing manager a Mr J Masuwa declined to comment on the issue.
Online Reporter