Online Reporter
Municipal Correspondent
NYANGA Rural District Council has sparked outrage after splashing out on a brand-new Nissan Navara double-cab vehicle for revenue collection, with residents questioning the priority given to the vehicle amid concerns over basic service delivery.
The council announced the acquisition in a public notice, saying the vehicle will be used by its finance department to improve the mobility of revenue collection teams and enhance revenue mobilisation across the district.
“The acquisition of the vehicle is part of Council’s continued efforts to strengthen its operational capacity and improve revenue collection efficiency across the district,” council said.
“The new vehicle will enhance the mobility of revenue collection teams, enabling them to reach ratepayers and various revenue collection points more effectively.”
But residents have questioned the wisdom of the purchase, with some arguing that scarce council resources should instead be directed towards pressing service delivery needs.
Mr Laston Mavhunga said the acquisition demonstrated misplaced priorities.
“This is wastage and lack of vision. People don’t have water in Nyanga but you are buying a Nissan for revenue collection,” he said.
He added, council should first demonstrate that it was addressing the basic needs of residents before spending money on new vehicles.
“People are struggling with basic services. Why not channel the money towards water, roads and other urgent needs,” he said.
Rashweat Mukundu questioned the need for such a vehicle for revenue collection.
“A Nissan Navara double cab for revenue collection?” he said.
He questioned whether a double-cab vehicle was necessary for the finance department.
“If the objective is revenue collection, council should explain why it needs a brand-new Navara and how much was spent on it,” he said.
In the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Annual Performance Feedback Report for Fiscal Year 2025, Nyanga Rural District Council was ranked 57th, with its chief executive officer scoring 3,03 and its chairperson 2,55.
The acquisition has also prompted calls for greater transparency on the source of funding, procurement process and the vehicle’s purchase price.
Council, however, defended the acquisition, saying it was part of its efforts to strengthen its operational capacity.
“Council remains committed to investing in equipment and resources that strengthen its capacity to serve residents, ratepayers and stakeholders,” it said.
The local authority said the vehicle will enable revenue collection teams to reach ratepayers and various collection points more effectively, potentially improving revenue mobilisation.
But the explanation has done little to quell the criticism, with residents arguing that improved revenue collection should translate into better services rather than simply increased expenditure on council vehicles.
Council has not disclosed the cost of the Nissan Navara or provided details of the procurement process.
The controversy comes as local authorities face increasing scrutiny over expenditure and calls for councils to prioritise service delivery and prudent use of public resources.
