Zambia will soon commence delivery of 150,000 tonnes of maize to alleviate shortages caused by last season’s drought. “Before even we get that maize, some politicians here are already threatening villagers with starvation if they don’t change their mentality of voting for MDC,” said village head Mandla Nare.
“It’s sad that politicians are taking advantage of the drought which engulfed our area. People should be given maize no matter what political affiliation. We challenge President Mugabe to call his politicians to order because we can’t live on like this being taken for granted just because of maize.”
A chief from Esigodini area who refused to be names fearing reprisals said they were told to distribute maize only to Zanu (PF) supporters.
Mark Mulaudzi a headman from West Nicholson area said tension is already high before even maize is delivered to those who will oversee the programme.
“People are squabbling here trying to impress politicians who are taking advantage of them. This programme is meant to ensure that only Zanu (PF) members benefit from the grain loan scheme,” he said.
The party has changed the system whereby councillors were at the forefront of distributing government aid, and now prefers to use chiefs and headmen.
Post published in: News