This scheme, in my opinion, is grossly abused, and contributes to the country's financial woes. Corrupt as the practice appears, you can't blame those who take advantage of it. Former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai could not occupy the official residence built specifically for heads of state and government as President Mugabe was using it. Arrangements were made for Tsvangirai to occupy a different house at government expense, a house in which he still lives.
Just like Biti and Mangoma who walked out of government with their prados, mercs and vehicles obtained under the scheme, the former Prime Minister was entitled to buy the house. He has explained that he is waiting for government to evaluate it, after which he can decide whether he can afford to buy it. Instead of calling Tsvangirai to step down because he is still living in a government house, Biti and Mangoma would be better off pushing the government department responsible for valuing the house to put a price tag on it as soon as possible.
They have argued that Tsvangirai will be compromised if he buys the property, but never explained how they are not compromised after buying the vehicles mentioned above. I wonder how many vehicles Biti has purchased under this scheme since he entered Parliament in 2000?
Biti and Mangoma must stop mudslinging and focus on the real bread and butter issues confronting Zimbabweans. – Kennedy Kaitano, Mutare
Post published in: Letters to the Editor