By Kamogelo Olaitan
The North West Department of Community Safety has defended the R780,000 it spent on donkey carts.
The carts were handed over to villagers in different areas in Dibono and Manwana districts, Mahikeng.
The department said the carts were given to villagers, mostly women, and will be used as ambulances, scholar transport and to transport pensioners to Sassa paypoints.
The carts were presented by MEC Sello Lehari on Thursday in a ceremony.
On Sunday, the amount spent on the carts pulled attention on social media with many criticising the government on the money spent on acquiring them.
In a statement the North West government said on Sunday that the handover of the carts was in line with the National Land Transport Act, NLTA, which seeks to alleviate challenges faced by rural communities.
“The 20 carts were procured for a total of R 780,000 inclusive of the three-year maintenance plan. The two-seater is R32,500 each and the four-seater is R45,500,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the carts were manufactured in Lonely Park in Mafikeng and there had been a skills transfer to some of the beneficiaries. As part of the contract with the department, the service provider will maintain the carts for the next three years at no cost to owners.
The government also pleaded with social media users to verify information rather than spread falsity and deceitfulness that harm the character of the department, the MEC and management.
“The records referred to above are available for anyone wishing to verify them and the department hereby encourages anyone to contact us on any issue before sharing unsolicited information,” the statement added.
Pictured above: MEC Sello Lehari handing over a R32,500 donkey cart
Image source: @DrXiga1
