Kwekwe yet to receive ambulance paid for in 2022

Kwekwe City Council has still not taken delivery of an ambulance worth US$63,891, despite paying for it in full on August 17, 2022, according to the latest audit report by Acting Auditor-General Rheah Kujinga.

The audit, covering local authorities for 2024, highlighted that delays in delivery of essential goods were compromising service delivery and value for ratepayers. Kujinga noted that 12 councils across Zimbabwe have not yet received items they fully paid for in the past three years.

In the case of Kwekwe, the supplier was contractually obligated to deliver the ambulance within two weeks, a condition that has been violated.

Efforts by The Mirror to obtain a comment from Town Clerk Dr Lucia Mkandhla were unsuccessful.

Kujinga warned that non-delivery of procured goods exposes councils to financial loss and undermines critical services.

"The supplier is in violation of the supply contract whose terms were that the delivery should take place within two weeks," the audit stated.

The report recommended that council management urgently follow up with the supplier to ensure the ambulance is delivered.

"Management acknowledges the observation and recommendations for action going forward," read part of the response from council officials.