It has been established that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has already spent huge amounts on manufacturing ox-drawn ploughs and scotch carts, while preparing to import tractors and other heavy duty equipment, to be distributed under the third phase of government’s mechanization programme.
Distribution already done under the first and second phases has been surrounded with criticism that it has favoured of Zanu (PF) supporters and excluded those perceived to be loyal to the opposition.
“The third phase will be launched in January, and more or less like the second but concentrating more on the communal areas,” a source privy to the plans said. “The RBZ is spending close to $100 trillion on purchasing the equipment.”
Sources at the central bank revealed that local companies, mostly owned by Zanu (PF) officials have already been given contracts to manufacture an undisclosed number of ploughs and scotch carts. The regime is using traditional leaders to whip their subjects into supporting Zanu (PF) and Robert Mugabe ahead of the elections. Chiefs across the whole country have been given new vehicles, money and their homes electrified. – Itai Dzamara
Post published in: News