Residents oppose Gwanda council vehicle tender

The Gwanda Progressive Residents Association (GPRA) has raised concerns over Gwanda Municipality's decision to initiate a tender process for the purchase of six new vehicles, arguing that such spending is misguided given the community's pressing service delivery challenges.

The local authority recently published General Notice 417 of 2025, inviting competitive bids for the supply and delivery of six vehicles, including a new minibus, two single-cab service vehicles, and two Toyota Fortuner 4x4s. The tender also sought proposals for the installation and maintenance of prepaid water meters and sewage pumps, as well as the servicing of water and sewage systems in the Hlalani Kuhle suburb.

The tender's closing date was set for April 14, 2025, but the GPRA has voiced strong opposition, suggesting that the money could be better spent addressing the numerous service delivery issues facing the town.

GPRA chairperson Collet Moyo wrote to Gwanda's town clerk, Priscilla Nkala, on March 27, expressing deep concern over the prioritization of vehicle purchases over more urgent needs, such as improvements to the town's sewage system, waste management, water supply, and infrastructure maintenance. Moyo emphasized the lack of ambulance services, unreliable water pipelines, poor street lighting, and the ongoing delay in payment of municipal workers' salaries.

"GPRA is concerned about the stance taken by the Municipality of Gwanda in tendering for the purchase of six vehicles while there are serious service delivery challenges that need attention," Moyo said in his letter. "We strongly advise the Municipality of Gwanda to consider only the purchase of two administration vehicles instead of six, in order to cut travel expenses."

Despite the residents' objections, town clerk Nkala defended the tender, arguing that the vehicles would be essential for service delivery purposes. In her response on April 1, Nkala explained that the procurement of the vehicles would be spread throughout the year based on available funding. She also stated that due diligence had been conducted before the tenders were issued.

"Management vehicles are part of service delivery, and a Cabinet authority is sought before the tender is flighted. It is the Cabinet authority that prescribes the vehicles that should be procured for each ministry or department depending on the availability of funds," Nkala wrote. She added that the council would not lower its standards, despite negative perceptions in the community.

However, Moyo rejected this explanation, pointing out that the issue was not about the standard of the vehicles, but the prioritization of resources. He argued that given the town's financial constraints and ongoing service delivery issues, the municipality should focus on purchasing fewer vehicles, such as one minibus and a single-cab service vehicle, rather than pursuing an extensive vehicle procurement plan.

"Prioritization is key," Moyo stressed. "Currently, the Municipality of Gwanda should be focusing on improving sewage and waste management, water supply, and worker welfare, rather than acquiring luxury vehicles."

Moyo expressed disappointment that the town clerk had failed to adequately address the residents' concerns, and he warned that GPRA would pursue the matter through official channels if necessary. "Residents cannot be held liable for expenses that do not benefit them, while key service delivery issues are neglected," he said.

In light of the ongoing frustrations, the GPRA has vowed to continue engaging with the municipality and advocating for the prioritization of essential services over what they view as unnecessary luxury expenditures.