admindrivers do not divert routes while on duty.
The devices will monitor the movements of the trucks and indicate speeds and routes being taken.
Speaking at the launch of the system in Harare yesterday, Harare Mayor Mr Muchadeyi Masunda, said the system would bring transparency and accountability.
“Gone are the days where refuse truck drivers would divert routes while doing their personal errands instead of picking refuse in the designated suburbs.
“Council was tired of receiving complaints from residents over uncollected bins in the various areas yet everyday trucks are leaving the depot purportedly to carry refuse.
“We can now actually track the route, the truck’s speed and route diversion as all our trucks are now under surveillance.
“This is certainly something that ratepayers should be proud of since their money will no longer be wasted,” he said.
Track It managing director Mr Richard Tennant, whose firm provided the system, said all the information recorded about the trucks on surveillance would be stored in computers for three months.
“The trucks are monitored by our 24-hour Global Positioning Recording System (GPRS), which will monitor and record simultaneously all movements of the fleet.
“The recorded data can review the speed at which individual trucks are cruising at, route diversion will also be recorded from the main control centre.
“Vehicle status update is done every minute and text messages and e-mails will be sent to the relevant monitoring authorities as per their requests,” he said.
Harare director of waste management, Mr Dombo Chibanda, said the move would help cut costs.
“This is a good driver management tool as we can now see where the driver is, monitor and evaluate whether he is on or off route.
“As council, we can now be able to calculate the actual fuel requirements of our fleet,” he said.
Online Reporter