adminThis comes amid concerns by traditional leaders from Binga District that non-governmental organisations have literally taken control of the district where they are giving food handouts without any meaningful development.
The chiefs, who were gathered in Hwange on Wednesday last week, said they felt the Government had abandoned them.
They said they were now contemplating driving the NGOs out of the district.
“We are tired of the NGOs in our area as they are just everywhere. Who is allowing them to come to our district?” asked Chief Siansali from Binga.
“Why is it that we do not have a mine in Binga. Different people have come to explore for minerals and have disappeared. We need a mine of our own to benefit from the 10 percent meant for the community through indigenisation so that we can build bridges.”
Chief Kavula from the same district said laxity by the Government had led to exploitation of people.
“They just come and exploit us. Some NGOs and miners have come to take samples and left without coming back and we suspect they have made money out of the samples. We are tired of this and we feel abandoned,” he said.
The chiefs said they were tired of being given food handouts and wanted Government to implement long-term development projects which would change their lives.
They drew laughter from the audience when they said the genetically modified organisms given by NGOs even affected people sexually.
Chief Sinakatema said the country’s enemies were using food through NGOs to divide the people.
“There are a number of NGOs in Binga and what they are doing in the district is counter-productive. We still do not have infrastructure despite these NGOs being there for several years. They use food to divide us but we cannot stop them because we know they have been allowed to operate by Government,” he said.
In response, Dr Mpofu who is also Minister of Mines and Mining Development, admitted that politicians had let down the electorate especially in Binga.
He urged communities to put to task MPs and councillors who fail to deliver.
“I understand this problem. We allowed NGOs to take over Binga and I cannot blame traditional leaders for that. We are to blame as politicians because we left a void and our enemies who are friends with the NGOs came in. This is the reason why we are here today to explain to you the programmes we have as the Government,” said Dr Mpofu.
“This time we are with you. We are coming to every district to talk about development. I am going to visit all chiefs and communities to listen to your problems, already I have been to Jambezi, Umguza and I am coming to Nkayi and Binga soon.
“If there is no development in your area or there are many NGOs more than you can handle, that is the fault of the MP and councillors. You should call them to account for what they have done for you since they got into office. They travel on Government allowances but what have they done for you?
“I am here responding to your concerns and where are your MPs and councillors. This is your chance to go back to the party that has the people at heart.”
Dr Mpofu encouraged people from Binga to form associations and trusts for them to benefit from national projects.
Meanwhile, chiefs complained that some Government departments were not respecting them especially at roadblocks, and local Government offices.
They said that was compounded by the fact that people viewed chiefs as poor because of the little allowances they were being paid.
Online Reporter