VEHICLES from the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) that were sent in for repairs last year have still not been returned.
It appears that these vehicles are still at the dealerships due to non-payment from the department.
Michele Clarke, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) spokesperson on community safety for Gauteng had this to say: “This already under-resourced and under-staffed department has been crippled by the depletion of its fleet and as a result cannot operate effectively or efficiently. Visible policing is now at an all-time low and the safety of Ekurhuleni residents is now under threat as there are fewer metro police officers on the roads to enforce traffic laws and by-laws.”
“Once again the ANC administration of Ekurhuleni has fallen foul of the law by not adhering to the stipulated 30-day payment cycle. Businesses trying to survive in this harsh economy are hit hardest by ANC governments who do not pay their bills on time, as this leads to job losses and growing unemployment,” adds Clarke.
The RECORD sent the EMPD and the City of Ekurhuleni (CoD) an enquiry regarding this issue.
“The entire fleet of the EMPD belongs to the City of Ekurhuleni with corporate fleet and finance departments being responsible for procurement and settling of invoices pertaining to servicing, repairs and general maintenance,” said Wilfred Kgasago, spokesperson for the EMPD.
Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the CoD had this to say: “The EMPD operates with a fleet in excess of 1 800, from which only 37 have not been returned.
“The vehicles are in for routine repairs and maintenance; R1 387 881-million is outstanding. The department is investigating the issue to establish the reasons for the delay. The department is also prioritising the outstanding payments backlog.”
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