The EMPD’s vehicles which were sent for repairs, last year, by the metro have not yet been collected due to non-payment, according to the DA.
It is alleged by the DA that the metro owes dealerships millions of Rands for the repairs carried out on the vehicles and they failed to make payment within the 30-day period stipulated by the dealerships.
According to the DA Gauteng spokesperson on community safety, Michelle Clarke, the EMPD is understaffed and under-resourced and the lack of vehicles puts a further dent in their ability to operate effectively and efficiently.
“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,” she said.
The DA raised questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to determine the total number of vehicles that have not been released, why service providers have not been paid, who the service providers are and the amount of money still owed to each?
They have further vowed to continue putting pressure on the Gauteng Department of Community Safety MEC, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane and Gauteng Premier, David Makhura to ensure that service providers are paid so the vehicles can be released.
The GCN approached the metro for comment and Themba Gadebe, the spokesperson and senior media manager said, “The EMPD operates with a fleet in excess of 1 800, from which only 37 vehicles have not been returned.
“The vehicles were sent in for routine repairs and maintenance and the total money outstanding is R1 387 881-million.”
Addressing the question on why the money had not been paid he said, “The department is currently in the process of conducting investigations to establish the reasons for the delay.
“The matter is being given urgent attention by the fleet department.
“The department is also prioritising the outstanding payments backlog.”
ALSO READ:
Geosmin found in Ekurhuleni water not harmful
The metro addresses issues regarding the disconnection of municipal services
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.zaor Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
