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THE Government has ordered ministries and parastatals to surrender all Government vehicles under them to the Public Service Commission (PSC) tomorrow as preparations for next week’s harmonised elections gather momentum.In a statement yesterday, PSC chairman Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwa said ministries should surrender the vehicles by 12pm tomorrow and warned that the police had been directed to impound State pool vehicles that remain on the roads by Wednesday.
“The Government requires vehicles to transport election personnel and materials for the July 31st harmonised elections to all parts of Zimbabwe.
“Accordingly, the PSC is directing all heads of ministries to surrender all Government vehicles, ranging from one to 10 tonne trucks, single cabs, twin or double cabs and utility vehicles to the PSC by 1200 hours on 23 July 2013,” said Dr Nzuwa who also chairs the Police Service Commission.
“Heads of ministries are also required to ask parastatals under their ministries to surrender trucks with carrying capacities ranging from one to 10 tonnes. Personal issue vehicles are exempted from this exercise.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has been requested to stop and impound unsurrendered vehicles with effect from Wednesday, 24 July 2013 and to immediately escort the vehicles to the nearest Central Mechanical Engineering Department (CMED) or PSC offices.”
Dr Nzuwa said surrendered vehicles must be accompanied by a ministry or parastatal driver and advised heads of ministries to seek clearance from the PSC for vehicles to be retained for the provision of essential services.
According to the notice the vehicles must be surrendered at different CMED and PSC centres across the country.
In Bulawayo the vehicles will be surrendered at the Mhlahlandlela Government Complex or CMED.
In Matabeleland South and the Midlands the vehicles will be surrendered at the Government Complexes or CMED depots
In Masvingo the vehicles will be taken to Benjamin Burombo Building at Corner Robert Mugabe and Simon Mazorodze Avenue or CMED depot.
Meanwhile, CMED has invited members of the public and civil servants who own vehicles to offer the vehicles for hire.
According to CMED vehicles will be hired at rates ranging from between $65 and $160 per day depending on the type and size of the vehicle for a distance of up to 100km.
If a hired vehicle travels for more than 100km additional payment of between $0.45 and $0.80 per kilometre per day will be made.
“Only vehicles certified fit will be accepted for this exercise and the owner would be required to sign a contract form.
“Those interested should bring certified copies of the vehicle registration book and driver’s licence. Contracted vehicles will refuel from CMED,” said CMED in a statement.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter