By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Fleet management company Afrirent has confirmed that all fleet management services have been restored and operations are running normally in the City of Johannesburg.
This follows withdrawal of its fleet from the city over a payment dispute.
According to Afrirent, the withdrawal was in place as the City owed it more than R90 million, some money dates back to last year.
Afrirent was awarded a 30-month, R1.2 billion fleet management contract in 2021. This agreement covered the provision of vehicles to essential city entities, including JMPD, City Power, Pikitup and Johannesburg Water.
Fullview reported that JMPD and Pikitup were the most affected entities.
However in a statement sent to Fullview, the company said, “It is in continuous engagement with the City of Johannesburg regarding payment for its fleet management services to the City.”
“Afrirent is fully cognisant of the critical role that a vehicle fleet plays in the delivery of services to the residents of the City, especially during this critical period of the Festive season, read the statement.
The company further stated that they’re are doing everything in their power to ensure effective and seamless delivery of services.”
“Afrirent can confirm that as of today, in recognition of critical timing for the City’s operations, all fleet management services have been restored and operations are running normally.”
Afrirent will make no further comment on this matter and would like to refer all queries to the City of Johannesburg, the statement concluded.
The City of Johannesburg has yet to issue a formal response in the matter.
Afrirent is a 100%-owned black company, which is a billion-rand profit company that specialises in logistics, fleet management, and leisure.