The trust remains dry almost a year after it was launched by President Robert Mugabe in August. The five diamond companies that operate in the area were supposed to release $10m each, making the trust the biggest community share ownership schemes in the country.
The controversial Zimunya-Marange trust is one of six community share ownership schemes that have been established so far under Section 14 of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act.
The Indigenisation Minister, Saviour Kasukuwere, was put to task by irate chiefs who demanded to know why the trust had not yet received the money.
Kasukuwere, who was speaking at the just ended Zimbabwe Local Government Association third biennal conference last month said the funds would be remitted soon.
“The community trust has been registered and approved. We must make sure we implement the programme around the trust and make sure that communities benefit from local resources,” he said.
However, critics have questioned Kasukuwere’s move to drag President Mugabe to launch a trust that was not registered.
The Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation Board Chairperson, Godwills Masimirembwa, told the local media that the Zimunya-Marange trust was being affected by unspecified challenges. ZMDC is responsible for channelling the funds into the trust coffers.
Zanu (PF) official, Manicaland Governor Chris Mushohwe, accused Mpofu of dragging his feet.
“I am not sure if the people of Manicaland would continue to watch those from other provinces benefiting from their resources. If you build a small island of richness in the middle of a sea of poverty, the sea will drown the island. We cannot continue with things as they are,” said Mushohwe.
Post published in: News