City of Mbombela (CoM) has expanded its municipal fleet with the handover of new vehicles and equipment aimed at accelerating service delivery across communities.

The official handover ceremony took place at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, June 9, and was led by the executive mayor, Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, accompanied by the municipal manager, Wiseman Khumalo, and senior officials.

Speaking at the event, Makushe-Mazibuko said the delivery of the additional fleet demonstrates the CoM’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to residents and strengthening its capacity to provide services without relying heavily on contractors.

“We have delivered on the commitments we made when we assumed office. We indicated that we will build state capacity in order to reduce contracted services and serve our communities better,” she said.

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Makushe-Mazibuko noted that the CoM has consistently added to its fleet over the years to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.

She added that the latest acquisitions form part of a broader strategy to equip municipal departments with the necessary tools to carry out their duties effectively.

Among the new additions are 10 of the 20 water tankers ordered by the CoM, with the remaining units expected to be delivered by mid-July.

The municipality has also procured 15 waste compactor trucks with a carrying capacity of between 19 and 21 cubic metres.

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Eight of these trucks were delivered on June 9 while the remaining seven are expected by mid-July.

In addition, 10 bakkies have been allocated to various municipal departments to strengthen daily operations.

Waste management, and parks and cemeteries, each received two single-cab vehicles, while local economic development received two single-cab vehicles fitted with canopies.

Disaster management received a double-cab 4×4 vehicle, while finance and corporate services each received a single-cab vehicle with a canopy for meter reading and records management functions respectively.

Makushe-Mazibuko expressed her gratitude to municipal employees for their dedication, despite working with limited resources.

“Through perseverance and tenacity they work with limited resources at their disposal, but continue to make a difference and change the lives of our people for the better,” she said.

She also urged municipal employees and residents to safeguard the new assets to ensure they continue benefiting communities.

“We appeal to them and our citizens to guard these assets jealously, ensuring that we remain on course to be the City of Excellence, the ultimate destination,” she said.

Makushe-Mazibuko added that the CoM believes the expanded fleet will improve response times, strengthen waste management services, enhance water provision and support various departments in delivering essential services to residents.