admin
The report also noted that Nyanga RDC where MDC-T spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora comes from was given a once off payment of $350 000, while a large RDC such as Binga was only given $240 000.
In separate interviews yesterday, Governors for Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South provinces accused Minister Biti, a senior member of MDC-T, of marginalising the region in order to incite its people to revolt against the Government.
They demanded an explanation from Minister Biti on the criteria used in giving funding and the disparities in the disbursement of funds.
Bulawayo Governor Cain Mathema said Minister Biti was deliberately sidelining the region so that people from the region blame the Zanu-PF leadership.
“This is a way of trying to make people from Matabeleland feel isolated. These are the people who always complain that Zanu-PF has been marginalising Matabeleland. Minister Biti is in charge of Treasury and he has imposed sanctions on Lupane, Tsholotsho and Insiza.
“This is a dangerous way of running finances. It brings tribalism and we are not surprised because the MDCs are the puppets of the West who want to use Matabeleland to invade Zimbabwe,” said Governor Mathema.
“As Zanu-PF we were never discriminated against any district or province in terms of funding. We believe that all local authorities should get an equal share. Minister Biti is an agent of the West and people from Matabeleland should resist his machinations.”
The Governor for Matabeleland North, Thokozile Mathuthu, said lack of funding for development projects in the region was causing tension and frustrating the people.
“We have always said that Minister Biti is deliberately sabotaging Matabeleland. He enjoys seeing people from this part of the country suffering so that they blame us Governors for failing to represent them fully,” she said.
“Lack of funding frustrates all development efforts, which justifies the intervention of non-governmental organisations that are out to defend foreign interests. Minister Biti should not treat us badly like this. We cannot be a country that relies on donors. The resources in the country should be shared equally in all provinces.”
Observers have said it was ironic that despite getting most of their votes from Matabeleland region, MDC-T was neglecting the region through Minister Biti.
The Governor of Matabeleland South, Angeline Masuku said since Minister Biti took over Treasury three years ago, all development projects in the province were gathering dust.
She made reference to several projects that have been lying idle for many years such as Kezi-Bulawayo Road, registry offices in Insiza, damaged bridges and dams, dilapidated Government buildings in the provincial capital, Gwanda and immigration offices at Beitbridge Border Post.
“I am not happy at all with funding for PSIP projects in this province. These projects have been there for years and since Minister Biti took over none of them have changed and we wonder why he is doing this? He cannot identify any project that he has funded to completion in Matabeleland South.
“We are not sure whether he is the Minister for the whole of Zimbabwe or just a certain region. All provinces should be treated equally. We need speedy completion of outstanding projects.”
An official from Insiza RDC who preferred anonymity said the district has not received PSIP funding for a long time.
Minister Biti could not be reached for comment on his mobile phone yesterday.
Online Reporter