Buhera South legislator (ZANU PF), Joseph Chinotimba, has called upon the government to set aside some fuel filling stations for farmers under Command Agriculture.
Speaking during a Parliamentary session, Chinotimba said that fuel was central to the success of the programme. Chinotimba said:
On the issue of command agriculture, Mr Speaker Sir, the Minister allocated a figure – let me tell you, Mr Speaker, there is no diesel. You have allocated maybe $10 billion but there is no diesel. We do not know where the diesel will come from for people to engage in agriculture. For all of us to be here in this House, it is because of food but if we do not have diesel and without specific filling stations for farmers, we are not going anywhere. If you are to go to PUMA, there is no diesel. The MPs have their coupons in their pockets because the diesel is not available. What we are saying is, yes, you increased the Budget allocation towards command agriculture or farming but where will this be drawn from. The Government and the Ministry of Finance should set aside filling stations for farmers.
His remarks come when there are allegations that more than US$3 billion dollars meant for Command Agriculture were misused by authorities between 2017 and 2018.
It is not known how the money was used since there was no drought during the period in question, neither was there any farming activity to justify the use of the money.
More: Open Parly