Government drivers forced to use personal funds for official vehicle maintenance due to systemic neglect

An investigation by Malawi24 has uncovered widespread neglect in maintaining government vehicles, particularly within district councils and public hospitals.

The findings reveal that many officials are no longer being serviced through formal government channels, forcing drivers to use their personal salaries to keep the vehicles operational.

Several government drivers, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that written requests for vehicle servicing are often ignored or conveniently “lost” within bureaucratic systems. One driver from a district hospital lamented.

 “We’re told there’s no funding, or that the file with our request has gone missing. But the vehicles must keep moving, so we end up using our own money for minor repairs, oil changes, tire replacements, and brake pads.”

This trend has led to numerous grounded vehicles across district councils and hospitals some left unused for months due to a lack of maintenance. Malawi24 confirmed the presence of dozens of non-functional ambulances, service trucks, and utility vehicles gathering dust in council compounds nationwide.

A senior administrative officer at one district council, who also requested anonymity, acknowledged the funding priorities:

“The truth is, there’s a serious shortage of resources. Vehicle maintenance is no longer prioritised, and procurement processes are frequently delayed or disrupted.”

Meanwhile, essential health and service delivery especially in rural areas continues to suffer. In some cases, ambulances are unavailable during emergencies, and council officers are forced to use personal vehicles for official duties.

With public frustration growing, both government employees and citizens are calling for immediate intervention from the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Health. They are demanding a comprehensive review of resource allocation and improved accountability in government fleet management.

Without swift action, sources warn, more vehicles will be grounded and frontline service delivery will continue to deteriorate.