Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has been finally cleared to tour the controversial Marange diamond mining area on Thursday after his previous bids were turned down under unclear circumstances.
Since the inception of the inclusive government in 2009, Tsvangirais attempts to tour the diamond-rich Chiadzwa area have reportedly been thwarted by his coalition government partners.
Last July, Tsvangirai was forced to cancel his visit to the diamond fields when he was already in Mutare. Government officials then insisted the PM should have been cleared by Mines and Mining Development minister Obert Mpofu to enable him to tour the highly-protected area.
President Robert Mugabe has toured the area before. Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Prince Mupazviriho yesterday confirmed the tour.
It is true, the tour will be held on February 16 and 17, he said.
However, he declined to comment on reasons leading to the delay in Tsvangirai touring Marange.
Unfortunately I cannot talk for principals. If you had asked me about affairs within the ministry, I would have answered you, said Mupazviriho.
Tsvangirais spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka yesterday confirmed the tour.
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