Kouga gets going with new wheels

The Kouga municipality has added multimillion-rand torque to its municipal fleet, recently acquiring 60 brand-new vehicles worth R58m.

The vehicles, which include specialised yellow plant equipment, were procured through service providers Sky Metro Equipment, MDZ Fleet Services and Avis.

Designed to enhance operational efficiency, the vehicles will strengthen the municipality’s capacity to deliver essential services such as waste management, water provision, road maintenance and emergency response.

The new fleet includes:

• 32 Nissan Navara single cab 2x4;
• 6 Toyota Corolla hatch (new traffic vehicles);
• 5 Nissan Navara single cab 4x4;
• 2 Truck-mounted cherry pickers;
• 2 Refuse compactors;
• 2 Water tankers;
• 2 Skip trucks;
• 2 Land Cruisers;
• 2 Honey-suckers;
• 1 Grader;
• 1 Combination suction and jetting truck;
• 1 Nissan Navara double cab;
• 1 Tractor loader backhoe (TLB); and
• 1 Smooth drum roller.

This latest addition brings the municipality’s fleet to 312 vehicles, with older models scheduled for auction later this financial year, which will streamline the fleet to 283 units.

Kouga mayor Hattingh Bornman expressed pride in the milestone.

“When we took over the council in 2016, the municipal fleet was in complete disrepair, with only 4% of vehicles operational,” he said.

“Today, we proudly say that 97% of the fleet is in excellent working condition.

“This remarkable turnaround means our teams can reach every corner of Kouga efficiently, ensuring improved services for all residents.”

The expanded fleet will significantly reduce the time spent on vehicle repairs and maintenance, enhancing responsiveness and service delivery.

“This initiative is also expected to deliver significant cost savings by reducing expenses related to repairs, maintenance and vehicle hire.

“We are excited to see these vehicles in action, delivering essential services and making a tangible difference in the lives of our residents.”

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