By Rex Mphisa
BUSINESSMAN Charles Terry Mulowa has applauded the Municipality of Beitbridge for allocating a vehicle to its Engineering Department section for Stands saying it will reduce dependency on clients.
Mulowa said it was hard for engineering staff to fail buildings by clients providing transport and the arrival of the vehicle enhanced professionalism.
He was speaking at a function where Beitbridge Municipality took delivery of three service vehicles worth US$100 725 handed to its three departments namely Engineering (Water and Sanitation), Engineering (Stands) and Housing.
“It was difficult for those responsible for inspecting buildings to reject certain developments because clients provided transport to officers. If they disapproved my building I would simply leave them to walk from that site,” said Mulowa.
Mulowa asked MoB to engage businessmen for the improvement of Beitbridge saying there was need for collaboration to improve the town.
Acting Beitbridge Mayor Councillor John Manatsa who officiated at the handover ceremony said the vehicles should translate into good service provision covering he whole of the border town.
“This handover is not just about receiving keys and vehicles. It is about service delivery. For too long our departments have been hamstrung by mobility challenges. Our Health Inspectors could not reach all wards. Our Works team took longer to respond to burst pipes and potholes. Our Housing and Revenue teams struggled to do field work and consultations,” he said.
“With these three vehicles, that changes. Our teams will now reach burst pipes, sewer blockages, and road faults quicker. Service delivery must be timely,” said Manatsa.
Manatsa said the vehicles will improve area coverage and with such proper tools municipality officers would be more efficient and asked for accountability.
“When officers have the right tools, they work better. These vehicles mean less downtime and more work done per day. These are public assets. They belong to the people of Beitbridge. We must use them for Council business only, maintain them well, and ensure value for money,” he said.
He told council management and staff to ensure the vehicles translate directly into visible improvements on the ground.
“Cleaner streets, attended faults, inspected premises, and engaged communities. Let residents see and feel the difference. Councillors, please help us monitor. When you see a Council vehicle in your ward, it should mean work is being done. This procurement was made possible through prudent financial management and prioritization of service delivery in our budget,” he said.
Town clerk Loud Ramakgapola said strict management of the vehicles will be observed.