admin
According to minutes of the Finance and Development Committee meeting, which are in the hands of Chronicle, a member raised concern, as to why the Mercedes Benz had not been formally reported to council including its cost.
“The meeting was informed the vehicle was purchased at a cost of $8 661 and council paid a duty of $3 320 directly to Zimra. Members expressed their reservation on how the vehicle was purchased without the approval of the procurement board. It was agreed that management should come up with a comprehensive report of how the vehicle was procured,” reads part of the minutes.
The same committee meeting minutes under the “Purchase of management vehicles” notes that management had budgeted to purchase two vehicles for managers.
“Currently, there are two managers, who do not have vehicles to use, namely housing director and deputy treasurer. Management requests for permission to buy the two vehicles at a cost of $60 000. Noting that there was a cash flow problem in council, management would like to use the hire purchase scheme to purchase the two vehicles,” reads the minutes.
According to the Environmental Management and Technical Services Committee meeting, management was considering buying a new sedan worth $32 681 for the mayor in line with the budget for 2012.
“Funding was now readily available for council to opt for durable options. After consultation with the potential user, the following vehicle, a 1,8-litre Toyota Corolla (six speed) to cost $32 681 was preferred,” reads the minutes.
Meanwhile, workers at the cash- strapped municipality have vowed to continue with their strike until they receive their dues.
The strike by the workers entered its second day on Friday.
derick.khumalo