SEVERE challenges relating to availability and reliability of vehicles, plant and equipment were highlighted during a quarterly report on the City of uMhlathuze’s Fleet and Transportation Section.
Unfilled posts and staff shortages on both the technical and administrative divisions, coupled with a disturbing degree of absenteeism caused concern among Exco councillors.
The report spoke on vacant mechanic, driver and artisan posts, including an empty Fleet Technical Officer position which results in others leaving their duties to attend to ‘outside matters’, thus affecting ordering of spares, quality control and safety.
Concern was raised that the increased growth in the city’s vehicle fleet was not accompanied by a corresponding growth in staff complement.
The report, which was regarded as ‘preliminary’, will be fully addressed at the conclusion of a fleet audit currently being conducted by consultants Business Innovation Group.
During the audit, nine vehicle were unaccounted for but were presumably ‘somewhere in the system’..
Since fleet management is deemed ‘not a core competency of the municipality’, a cost benefit analysis on ‘in-house versus outsourcing’ of fleet and workshop functions and leasing of fleet is in progress.
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