The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
MINISTER of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Misheck Mugadza has said those that abuse the Presidential lnputs Scheme will soon face the music as the law will descend heavily on them.
Speaking during an interface meeting with traditional leaders in Chimanimani on Tuesday, Minister Mugadza said preparations to disburse the inputs are at an advanced stage, adding that beneficiaries will start receiving them next month.
He said Government will work with the local traditional leadership to make sure that no one is left behind.
“Government is prioritising food security. It is also prioritising the Presidential Inputs and Pfumvudza/Intwasa Schemes to make sure that no one starves. We have already had a meeting with various stakeholders on the preparations of the planting season, and I assure you that the inputs are on their way to the farmers.
“The inputs will be delivered early, and we want to make sure that farmers also plant early. I urge the extension officers to work with traditional leaders in the distribution of inputs so that everyone benefits.
“Abuse of inputs is totally unacceptable and I am warning would-be offenders to stop it. Government will be tough on those who abuse the inputs,” he said.
Minister Mugadza also urged local companies operating in Chimanimani to plough back to the community.
“Chimanimani District is endowed with diamonds and timber plantations. As Government, we are urging companies that operate here to have corporate social responsibility programmes and help the Government to uplift the lives of the local community so that every corner of the province realises the development we want.
“Those who are looting resources are being warned to desist from such practices,” said Minister Mugadza.
Speaking during the same event, Transport and Infrastructure Development Deputy Minister, Honourable Joshua Sacco called on Government to avail offer letters to farmers who benefited from the land reform programme.
“There are some local farmers who benefited from the land reform programme in 2000, but are yet to receive their offer letters. We are calling on the Office of the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution’s to speedily avail offer letters to the beneficiaries of the land reform programme who are yet to receive them so that they can build permanent structures on their land,” said Deputy Minister Sacco who is also Chimanimani East legislator.
Deputy Minister Sacco also urged Government to appoint substantive traditional leaders in the district.
“We have a lot of traditional leaders who have been acting for a long time. We call for the appointment of substantive traditional leaders to spearhead development in the district,” said Deputy Minister Sacco.
