GMB payment delays

The announcement was made to Parliament, in response to a question from Uzumba MP Simbaneuta Mudarikwa. Made said the GMB was paying the farmers that had delivered maize to the grain utility but there were delays. This comes amid rumours in Beitbridge that the board had run out of funds to buy wheat from farmers in the region. An estimated 500 tones of wheat are lying idle at commercial farms and farmers are contemplating exporting their produce to South Africa.

One farmer, Paul Bristow, said four farms were sitting on 500 tones of wheat after the GMB indicated that they were short of funds to buy the wheat. He said they were now considering exporting the grain but were discouraged by the soaring costs. We thought of exporting the wheat, but we realized it was going to be expensive and we are now waiting for the government to release funds to GMB he said.

Made, however, told the house that, courtesy of the minister of Finance, the government had performed well in terms of paying the farmers. “Today, we have paid close to three quarters of the maize delivered, leaving a balance of close to US$11 million which the minister of Finance assured me that within the coming 10 or 15 days, he will be making good on that balance or any amount that is paid for. We will not be able to pay interest; I want to be very honest.”

Responding to a question by Kadoma Central MP Editor Matamisa about why farmers who delivered their grain to the GMB in 2002 had still not been paid, Made said his ministry and the ministry of Finance was working on payments, but were working out exchange rates in line with the existing multi currency regime.

“We are still discussing the issue of the value in terms of the exchange rate and as soon as the minister of Finance is ready, I will make an announcement to the effect of the payments that will be made.”