By Correspondent
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume is being accused of pushing through a shady deal under which a private entity, Discovery Ambulance Services, will provide ambulance services to the capital city.
Harare Residents Trust (HRT) says instead of buying its own ambulances, the Council will be billed by Discovery in a move that derails development plans agreed last year.
“Pro-people councillors in the City of Harare should reject without fear or hesitation, the deal being pushed by the mayor of Harare.
“Mafume has been lobbying and pushing for Discovery Ambulance Services to provide ambulances, and the City of Harare would pay the bill.
This will likely mean reduced pressure to acquire their own ambulances.
Harare Already Has Levy For Ambulances
The City of Harare in April 2025 imposed three levies, including the Emergency Services Levy, to facilitate the procurement of ambulances and fire tenders.
From the revenues being generated per month since the introduction of the levy, it is possible for Harare City Council to purchase at least four ambulances every month, according to HRT.
Under the Discovery Ambulance Services deal that Mafume is pushing, this private ambulance company would provide ambulance services to patients in Harare.
Even more suspect are revelations that the City of Harare would likely be billed without verification of the claims from Discovery Ambulance Services.
“How and why the mayor is vigorously pushing the City of Harare to accept the deal leaves more questions than answers about his motivation.
“Is the mayor genuinely concerned about service delivery?
“Is it possible that he will be paid a commission by this private company if the deal sails through?
HRT has since demanded a full disclosure about the deal.
According to the residents’ body, there should be a competitive bidding process through which the winner is selected.
Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at Large Eubert Angel reportedly owns Discovery Ambulance Services.
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