The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube and Wimbainashe Zhakata Post Reporters
THE construction of Sakubva River bridge to which Dangamvura-Chikanga MP Cde Isau Mupfumi had claimed sole credit is now mired in controversy after Mutare Central legislator Mr Innocent Gonese is also claiming to have contributed half of the amount since the structure benefits the two adjacent constituencies.
Documents gleaned by The Manica Post show that $7 400, which was meant for the construction of the bridge, was transferred from Mutare Central Constituency Development Fund into the sister Dangamvura-Chikanga CDF Account Number 24815630010, CBZ, Mutare Branch.
However Cde Mupfumi said the money was never used as it was wired in the wrong account. Cde Mupfumi said Mr Gonese had approached him for inclusion in the project, but at the time the project was almost complete.
He said the money has since been returned to the Mutare Central CDF account.
“Although the bridge benefits residents from both constituencies, it was too late for him to contribute since the bridge had already been completed.
“As an MP, I would not have any problem with him contributing towards the construction of the bridge, and I am now waiting for advice from the party (Zanu PF) chairperson Cde Mike Madiro on how this issue can be handled,” said Cde Mupfumi.
However, Mr Gonese said he was also pursuing the same project and saw it ideal to engage and work with Cde Mupfumi since residents from both constituencies would benefit in equal measure.
Mr Gonese said an agreement was reached between the two legislators culminating in Mutare central DCF wiring $7 400 into the Dangamvura-Chikanga CDF account.
“I deposited $7 400 to the account they gave us. We had also identified the project among other projects and we engaged him so that we could do a joint partnership since it would benefit residents from both constituencies. I am yet to take a bank statement to verify if it true that the money was returned and when it was transferred back to our account,” said Mr Gonese.
During the official opening of the bridge, Cde Madiro encouraged other MPs to use CDF to implement projects that benefit community.
“The CDF should not be used for selfish benefits by MPs, but to benefit the community.
“We should take heed of President Mnangagwa’s stance against corruption. Cde Mupfumi has been an exemplary MP who has made sure that these funds are used to benefit community,” said Cde Madiro.
