The Sunday Mail
Debra Matabvu Sunday Mail Reporter
The Harare City Council has spent at least US$1 million on two road sweepers and two trucks designed to carry small cars flouting traffic rules – a transaction whose value raises eyebrows. Purchased in South Africa, the machinery comprises two mechanical road sweepers and two vehicle lifters, each valued at US$300 000 and US$200 000, respectively, the council.
Harare bought Duvelo 5000 Evolution EU4-EU5 mechanical sweepers, capable of collecting bottles, small wood cases and stones by means of side brushes that convey the waste to the bottom centre of the vehicles where they are sucked into a waste tank.
But according to Duvelo’s website, the machinery – which can cover about 20km of road per hour, costs between US$63 000 and US$100 000, far less than the US$300 000 Harare says it paid.
The eight-tonne Nissan car lifters, this paper understands, cost below US$100 000 and not US$200 000 as the council says. The vehicles will be delivered within two months.
Harare town clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi said the purchases were necessary to restore cleanliness.
“We bought the machinery that we thought was the best for our city and hence the prices are justified. We are rehabilitating our roads and the machinery will be off best use to our city,” he said.
Harare Residents Trust chair Mr Precious Shumba said the city council’s priorities were misplaced, alleging: “The prices are unrealistic. They usually buy these vehicles when they want to supplement their incomes.”
Combined Harare Residents Association director Mr Mfundo Mlilo weighed in saying; “First of all there has to be a tender floated when such purchases are made. Where was the tender floated? Was (the purchase) budgeted for and who approved the acquisition? Are the sweepers meant for potholed roads?”
Last year, Harare City Council came under fire for using part of a US$144 million water and sewer loan from China to buy 25 luxury cars.
