Villagers, PMD clash over ambulance donation
The PMD, Dr Tapiwa Murambi, has allegedly refused to clear the donation of the ambulance citing irregularities in the process.
Speaking to Chronicle last week, villagers did not hide their anger at the PMD, labelling him a retrogressive person who did not want to develop the area.
“There is no reason why he should say no to the donation.
“There are five drivers who are there driving one ambulance, this is illogical,” said a villager who declined to be named.
Another villager who spoke on condition of anonymity said the ambulance sometimes goes to Bulawayo on errands or transfers patients to hospitals in the city and they were left without an ambulance to service the area.
“Honestly this man has a problem. We have one ambulance. What happens if we have a disaster in the area and the ambulance we have is in Bulawayo? He needs to set his priorities straight,” he said.
The owner of Hawkflight, Mr Never Nyathi, said he was surprised to note that the PMD questioned what his interests were in Maphisa although he was a resident of the area.
“The PMD asked me why I wanted to donate the ambulance to Maphisa and I told him that I had no other interest besides that I live in this community,” said Mr Nyathi.
Mr Nyathi said the ambulance, an Isuzu Como, cost $7 200 and would have been used to service the area.
“The ambulance is with me now and we are waiting to hear from the PMD to tell us the way forward but I am disappointed by this development,” he said.
Mr Nyathi said the PMD alluded to the fact that he was covering up for favours he got from the hospital authorities through awarding of tenders without following laid down procedures.
“He said this was part of a cover-up for underhand deals in the tender system. I have never been awarded any tender by the hospital. The allegations are unfounded,” he said.
Responding through his secretary, Dr Murambi said he did not refuse to accept the donation but the procedure for donating was to apply to the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and inform them and that the
Ministry had the prerogative to approve.
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