ZACC this week received a number of complaints in the
manner in which the inputs were being distributed by some leaders in the
farming communities before launching investigations.
Pfumvudza was initiated by Government to increase rural
household incomes and boost national food security but some elements among the
teams tasked with inputs distribution are derailing the noble programme.
ZACC has issued a warning to teams tasked with distribution
of the inputs to desist from corrupt tendencies saying they will soon be
arrested.
“It is extremely worrying to note that some unscrupulous
leaders tasked with distributing the inputs are engaging in activities that are
meant to derail the exercise.
“The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has
received an overwhelming number of reports from farmers across Zimbabwe
complaining about the unprofessional way community leaders are distributing
inputs for the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme.
“During the week, ZACC received a very high number of
reports on its various reporting platforms, including Twitter, Whatsapp and
SMS, from people reporting that there are irregularities in the distribution of
the inputs,” reads the statement.
ZACC warned the community leaders against corruption and
hailed the informants for assisting with the information.
“It is against this background that ZACC is strongly
warning perpetrators of this criminal conduct that the Commission will descend
heavily on them, without fear, favour or prejudice. The Commission also wishes
to thank the vigilant whistleblowers who made us aware of these nefarious
activities.
“It is through such boldness that we can, together, end the
cancer of corruption,” the statement reads.
ZACC encouraged people to utilise the social media and
other platforms to report corruption.
“Citizens must continue to report these and other
incidences of corruption, on Whatsapp number +263719529483 or
+263242307065/6/7, +263242369602/5/8/14 or zacc.online/tipoffs.”
Alternatively, they can report to the nearest police
station.
The Commission encouraged the Ministry of Lands,
Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to formulate more
watertight systems that encourage transparency in the manner the inputs are
distributed to curb corruption.
Distribution of inputs under the Climate-Proofed
Presidential Inputs Scheme, Pfumvudza/Intwasa, for the cropping season
commenced recently with Government setting aside $152 million for the
transportation of inputs from Grain Marketing Board depots to wards where
farmers can easily access them.
There were reports that some councillors and transporters
were demanding money from farmers for the transportation of the Pfumvudza
inputs.
In Banket some village heads were accused of demanding US$4
from each farmer to be able to get the farming inputs.
Some reports from Murehwa accused village heads and their
families of looting the inputs at the expense of the other villagers.
Where ordinary people are getting 2kg of seed each, a few
selected relatives and friends of the committee members are getting 5kgs each.
Complaints from Mhangura are that the leaders are imposing
additional conditions for one to benefit in the inputs scheme. Those who did
not participate in the construction of a local school are being left out.
Those who do not have offer letters but are involved in
farming are also not benefiting.
In Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe, there are reports that the
committee members are demanding US$4,50 transport from each farmer who gets a
bag of fertiliser.
In Manicaland, some community leaders are reportedly
allocating themselves scotch-carts full of inputs while others go back home
empty-handed.
In Muswenhende area, Mvurwi, there are complaints that
those who prepared land for the programme are being left out on inputs
distribution when those who did not do anything are receiving inputs. Herald
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