The army spent $ 92M to repair 30 vehicles – RE Report
– $ 7.2M to repair one 11 year old pickup
– Police, other agencies involved in similar practice
Kaieteur News – Details from the recently-set Auditor General’s Report for 2019 highlighted a high-maintenance homicide for vehicles attached to the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), Ministry of Social Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Public Safety , as in addition to Regions Three and Six.
According to the AG report, these high maintenance costs were because the ministries, departments and regions were not assessing whether it was economical to keep or dispose of vehicles. In this regard the amount of $ 251.619M was spent on repairs and maintenance in relation to 118 vehicles during 2019, the report states.
Specifically, the GDF spent $ 91.629M on 30-vehicle maintenance, which represented an average maintenance cost of $ 3.054M per vehicle.
“More significantly,” the report said, “10 vehicles were maintained at costs worth $ 46.429M, representing an even higher maintenance cost per vehicle ($ 4.643M). Amazingly, one Toyota Hilux Double Cab acquired over 11 years ago took place at a cost of $ 7.185M; while, a Ford Ranger was held at a cost of $ 5.660M. “
The audit of the army’s 2019 spending found that the Ford F-350 and the Ford Ranger Double Cab were maintained at costs totaling $ 6.486M and $ 5.599M, respectively. However, based on a list submitted for inspection, the police have deemed these two vehicles not serviceable.