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NewsDay

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Councillors gang up against Bhasikiti

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ZANU PF councillors in Chivi have ganged up against Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister and party politburo member Kudakwashe Bhasikiti

ZANU PF councillors in Chivi have ganged up against Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister and party politburo member Kudakwashe Bhasikiti accusing him of distorting facts about the welfare of Tokwe-Mukosi flood victims and failing to mobilise food handouts for them.

WINSTONE ANTONIO OWN CORRESPONDENT

Speaking to NewsDay in separate interviews over the weekend, the councillors also said the victims’ situation at Chingwizi Transit Camp could have been well-managed if Bhasikiti had not misled the affected families.

The councillors said instead of labelling them as “liars”, Bhasikiti should appreciate their efforts in mobilising food handouts for the flood victims. “It is very unfair for someone like Bhasikiti to address issues through the media claiming that Chivi Rural District councillors are lying to millions of Zimbabweans when we have, through our own efforts, mobilised close to 100 tonnes of maize for the flood victims,” said Ward 7 councillor Taurai Masvinu.

Councillor Clemence Muzvidziwa of Ward 24 said Bhasikiti should stop seeing shadows and apologise for tarnishing their image.

“Bhasikiti did not send anyone, even transport, to collect the maize as he claimed. Instead he rushed to the Press to lambast us, yet he could have come and witnessed what was on the ground ,” Muzvidziwa said.

“We are not going to be deterred by Bhasikiti’s claims, but work harder to mobilise resources and our target as Chivi Rural District Council is to raise about 100 tonnes of maize for the affected families.”

Ward 4 councillor Saunders Magwizi urged Bhasikiti to complement their efforts instead of fermenting petty fights.

Councillor Enock Shindi of Ward 26 accused Bhasikiti of trying to centralise the distribution of food aid for political expediency.

Council chairperson Killer Zivhu said: “The Chingwizi situation could have been well-managed if Bhasikiti had not lied to the flood victims whereby they could have been moved in phases.

“Bhasikiti told residents who were gathered at Mazunga Primary School that he was sent by President [Robert Mugabe] to announce that those who would agree to be moved to Chingwizi Transit Camp would be given houses with running water.”