The Livingstone City Council has responded to public outcry over its recent procurement of a waste skip loader truck, which some stakeholders allege is not brand new, despite its reported cost of K2.2 million under the 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Concerns were raised by both members of the public and some councillors, who questioned the condition and value of the vehicle, prompting speculation that the truck may be second-hand.
Council Public Relations Manager, Melvin Mukela, has told Diamond News that the procurement process followed all legal and prescribed procedures, and that the council indeed ordered a brand-new truck.
Mr. Mukela has explained that the truck was purchased from China and was shipped to Zambia through the Nakonde Border Post, after which it was only driven from Lusaka to Livingstone.
However, he has also confirmed that during an emergency internal stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday morning which included council management, CDF Committee members, and other government officials, some participants expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of the delivered truck after inspecting it.
A sticker on the truck, seen by Diamond News, indicates it was manufactured on March 19, 2025, by Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Co. Ltd.
The council has since committed to engaging the supplier to address the concerns and has assured a public update once a conclusion is reached.
The vehicle remains parked at the council premises pending resolution of the matter.
By Gabriel Josias Muuba
Source: Diamond TV