KOLLAM: In a shocking case of administrative negligence, two ambulances bought by the Kollam City Corporation using public funds have been left abandoned and decaying on private property, never having served a single day.

Purchased during the 2017–18 financial year at a cost of several lakhs, the vehicles were offloaded near the Kochu Koonambayikkulam temple on a marshy plot and soon deteriorated due to neglect. Now beyond repair, they have become havens for antisocial activities and drunken gatherings, posing serious safety concerns for local residents.

Concerned citizens have raised complaints, demanding the removal of these now-vandalised ambulances. Broken windows, stripped interiors, and stolen equipment paint a grim picture of how public resources were wasted.

In response to growing criticism, the Corporation claimed the vehicles were non-compliant with technical specifications, including flawed roofing and overly steep steps. On these grounds, they were never put into service. However, this excuse raises serious red flags—how did such faulty vehicles pass the procurement process, and why was the supplier paid in full despite the defects?

Now declared unfit for operation, the only option left is to dismantle and dispose of the ambulances. This incident reflects gross lapses in governance, quality control, and public accountability.