P500K to repair 24 inherited Ministry of Health vehicles

 

Kanye District Council has received a budget of P586,530 from the Ministry of Health to repair a fleet of 24 vehicles transferred as part of the Primary Health Care (PHC) services transition. Out of the vehicles handed over, 10 ambulances and four administrative units are grounded.

Kanye District Council Chairman Morapedi Kgosithebe had previously promised that all grounded vehicles transferred would be restored to a usable state, stating that the Council is taking full responsibility for the fleet’s maintenance to ensure uninterrupted healthcare service delivery. The government decided on April 1 to transfer control of clinics and related resources back to local authorities, leading to the handover of a fleet of 15 ambulances and nine other units.

However, the condition of most of the vehicles has proven to be a challenge. Kanye District Council says 14 non-operational vehicles have been out of service for the past six months, mostly due to electrical faults, braking issues, worn load bodies, and suspension problems.

The Council also noted that the rough terrain in the region contributes to frequent breakdowns of those still in use. Repairs officially began on April 25 and are expected to be completed by the end of July 2025.

The Council’s workshop is handling most of the mechanical work, while complex body repairs and specialised services are being outsourced to private garages. Quotations for such tasks are being sourced in line with the Public Procurement Regulations Act of 2023. To reduce vehicle downtime going forward, the Council plans to profile essential vehicles and stock up on critical spare parts, such as service kits and brake pads.

This is expected to allow minor faults to be addressed internally without long delays. Back in April, Kgosithebe reported that 11 vehicles were already off-road, stressing that the condition of the fleet needed immediate attention. He also emphasised the importance of carefully planning trips due to rising fuel costs and limited resources. While the total health budget after the merger stands at just over P7.6 million, the Council admits the vehicle repair budget is limited. Council Secretary Joseph Banyatsang had said accountability tools are in place to track repair progress and ensure efficient use of funds.

The transferred services include 10 clinics, seven health posts, and 19 mobile stops, including 27 staff houses. A total of 371 employees have now been transferred, most of whom have already been absorbed into the Council’s structure.