Bankrupt
Knysna’s R2million Vehicle Purchases
Although the pricey purchases for the Knysna Traffic Department were
announced 5 week’s ago, i hadn’t discussed it with you because i’d yet to take
a position as information was lacking. I still haven’t solidified an opinion
but discovering the actual pricing insists that i share something with you, the
ratepayer of Knysna, as it does conflict with Lauren Waring’s unadulterated
optimism for them.
The 5 Nissan Jukes cost R296 000 each. What was notably left out,
possibly by the Knysna Municipality, of last year’s KPH report was that there
was also the purchase of a Nissan Navara at a whopping R444 000, bringing the
total close to R2million.
I understand that old cars need replacing but find it challenging to
justify this amount when there’s no money to fix potholes in main roads.
There’s little need for sporty, turbo-charged, 6-gear vehicles to chase
criminals at high speed but one could be cynical and say that their 2-wheel
drive capability is needed to navigate those potholes in Grey Street.
Additionally, i’ve had 2 sources tell me there was tender conflict
as a rival bidder launched an objection after Nissan won. Although they
withdrew it, that it happened at all poses a question mark… which gets bigger
when they denied to an inquirer that they’d done it at all.
Apparently the procurement officer is driving a new Nissan. Note that
that does not mean that there’s any wrongdoing (which is why i’ve
excluded the person’s name) but it has started a rumour mill which requires
fixing.
Nissan Navara – photo taken from sales site
There is a story of some sort here. If not, then it should be cleared so
that the public always knows what’s happening. Unfortunately, the DA’s and the
Knysna Municipality’s closed-door policy, bolstered by the lack of opposition
from a cowardly (or complicit) ANC makes getting public information very tricky
for me. I’d love to dig into this more but my plate is already fill. However,
if any want to share info (with hard facts), always happy to receive such.
