THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has received all-new Volkswagen and Isuzu vehicles to replace an aging fleet. The handover recently took place at Vuyisile Square in front of City Hall, with municipal officials and department representatives in attendance.
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor, Retief Odendaal, and MMC for Roads and Transport, Rano Kayser, presented the 18 Polos, two T-Roc SUVs, five motorcycles, three water tankers and two sponsored mobile alcohol testing trucks.
Odendaal said the decision to buy vehicles from locally-based manufacturing companies was intentional, as these entities contribute greatly to the city’s economy and local employment.
“This is not just a gesture of gratitude for their commitment to Nelson Mandela Bay, but the money spent will now contribute to the Eastern Cape and the local economy.
“Although I am aware that the municipal fleet was not managed as well as it should have been over the years, I am very proud of the progress made the last couple of months to address the aging fleet,” he explained. “These small SUVs are more than adequate, of excellent quality and an economical choice. The time for buying expensive vehicles or spending exorbitantly on rental fees is now over.”
Most of the vehicles will form part of the Safety and Security fleet, as well as the mobile alcohol testing vehicles sponsored by South African Breweries (SAB).
The motorcycles will be used for beach patrols and to curb illegal dumping.
Measures to improve the management of the municipal fleet started in September 2022 with the implementation of a digital platform to enable the seamless tracking of fuel consumption, evaluate driver behaviour and to curtail fraud and theft, among others. Adding to this, Kayser said that this innovation led to an immediate saving on fuel expenditure.
“Two months after the digitisation started, fuel consumption dropped from R9 million per month to R4,2 million– a more than 50 percent saving. In addition, approximately 563 vehicles will be auctioned off. Details will be announced after the internal approval process is completed,” said Kayser.
Odendaal said that an internal system would be put in place to curb the abuse of municipal vehicles and encourage residents to report incidents by contacting 0800 20 5050.
– ISSUED BY THE NELSON
MANDELA BAY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
