Richmond unveils multimillion-rand vehicles

Richmond Municipality signalled a hardline on negligence and the misuse of public assets last Thursday as it unveiled a multimillion-rand fleet aimed at boosting service delivery and curbing persistent vehicle breakdowns. The municipality rolled out 19 service vehicles, an excavator, a grader and a refuse removal truck — equipment officials said would significantly improve efficiency and responsiveness across the municipality. Employees assigned to drive the vehicles have been warned that reckless driving, misuse or negligence will not be tolerated.

“These are public assets. We cannot continue repairing vehicles damaged through negligence,” said Mayor Melikhaya Ngcongo. He said management had agreed to introduce reporting systems accessible to the public, allowing residents to report alleged misuse or negligent driving.

Should there be any allegations, we will act decisively and ensure consequence management against the implicated official. The mayor also appealed to residents to help safeguard the newly acquired assets, warning that vandalism directly undermines service delivery. He recalled a 2024 incident in which a municipal excavator was set alight, forcing the municipality to hire replacement machinery at significant cost.

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“That incident crippled our service delivery programmes,” he said. Ngcongo said council resolved in May 2025 to change its vehicle leasing model to ensure long-term sustainability.

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