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30 Tons Fertiliser Dumped Into Mazowe DamHarare, Apr 09, 2009 (Financial Gazette/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- A TASKFORCE investigating the abuse of agricultural inputs distributed to farmers under the National Food Security Programme has received reports that about 30 tonnes of unpacked fertiliser were dumped into Mazowe Dam to conceal evidence of looting the commodity by a politician who is yet to be identified. This comes hard on the heels of an audit by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe into the use of agricultural inputs and equipment distributed to farmers under the Farm Mechanisation Programme. On Tuesday, the chairman of the Champion Farmer Logistics sub-committee, Brigadier-General Douglas Nyikayaramba, said he was aware of the case, but added that investigations into the allegations were yet to start. "I heard about the case and our director of investigations took an interest," Brig-Gen Nyikayaramba said. "However, the matter is still subjudice as it was raised by Honourable Members who are appearing in court. When the court cases are finished, we can look at it. At the moment it is still subjudice." Nyikayaramba said his sub-committee could enlist the services of the sub-aqua unit to look for the evidence in Mazowe Dam when investigations eventually begin. He said his committee operates transparently and aggrieved persons could scrutinise their records as they had nothing to hide. Investigations into allegations of the abuse of agricultural inputs distributed under the government's National Food Security Programme have seen nearly 10 Members of Parliament appearing in court, with some of the hearings being conducted in camera. Some of the lawmakers implicated are Gladys Mabhiza (ZANU-PF, Seke), Irvine Dzingirai (ZANU-PF, Chivi South), Hega Shoko (MDC-T, Bikita West) and Evelyn Masaiti (MDC-T, Dzivaresekwa). The legislators have denied the charges with most of them arguing that they never solicited for the commodities, but were given under the guise that they were members of the House of Assembly and Senate. They said nothing precludes them from re-distributing the inputs to villagers and farmers in their constituencies. The trials of the MPs and senators come at a time when Parliament is debating a motion calling for a transparent and timely distribution of inputs for the 2009/10 agricultural season, with the active involvement of lawmakers and councillors. |