….As input scheme committee is accused of corruption
By Dumisani Ndlovu
SHURUGWI – Farmers in the Dorset Resettlement area, Ward 21 of Shurugwi South Constituency, are expressing outrage over alleged corruption within the transport and logistics committee of the Presidential Farming Inputs Scheme.
The committee, led by Chairperson Andrew Moyo, Secretary Trynos Muzila, and Treasurer identified only as Mrs. Dewa, faces accusations of inflating transport costs, defrauding the struggling farming community of thousands of dollars.
Complaints shared in the Ward 21 Development whatsapp group, reveal that for over three yeas farmers were charged between US$4 and US$5 for transport, while drivers reportedly received only US$2 each.
“This is daylight robbery!” a furious farmer declared. “We’re already struggling to make ends meet, and now they’re stealing from us.”
Another community member, who is a former police officer Adonis Hondomi, suggested that the committee should reimburse the affected farmers, stating, “Restitution is mitigatory; it does not absolve anyone from the initial criminal act.
What’s crucial is how long this has been occurring and how much money has been misappropriated unless it can be proven that those funds were legitimately spent on transport.”
Hondomi further questioned the legitimacy of the committee members, suggesting they may not be genuine representatives and could instead be acting to tarnish reputations and undermine community trust.
Farmer Bellington Mathe echoed the call for transparency and accountability, stating, “How can we trust those who are supposed to support us when they steal from us?”
Gono Rechirandu supported this sentiment, emphasizing that transparency is essential for trust and accountability in leadership. He outlined the benefits of transparency, noting that it builds trust among stakeholders and fosters collaboration.
