Mutasa Central legislator, Trevor Saruwaka (MDC-T) has invited Public Service minister Prisca Mupfumira to a rally in his constituency to explain the government’s policy on food aid.
BY RICHARD CHIDZA
Saruwaka took Mupfumira to task in Parliament last week demanding an explanation on reports of partisan distribution of food aid, as hunger continues to ravage millions across the country.
Mupfumira, in response, threw down the gauntlet at legislators, challenging them to invite her to their constituencies, so she could explain that the government did not discriminate in the distribution of food. The MDC-T MP has now taken up the challenge and wants Mupfumira to attend his rally at the weekend.
“It is with humility that I invite you to Mutasa Central constituency, ward 10, at Masere business centre on Saturday. I will be having a rally and I am expecting around 1 000 people. Ward 10 is one of those hard hit by drought, rendering most households food-insufficient,” he wrote to Mupfumira on Monday.
The lawmaker confirmed he had written to Mupfumira.
“I wrote the letter and delivered it to her offices on Monday,” he said.
Asked if Mupfumira had responded, Saruwaka said: “Not yet, but I am sure she will.”
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The letter, a copy of which was seen by NewsDay, said the invitation was in response to Mupfumira’s challenge.
“The invitation is on the backdrop of your presentation under oath, in Parliament on Wednesday October 19, that as a non-partisan minister, you are available to attend political gatherings, where you are invited to help explain the government policy on food aid and also distribute the same for vulnerable groups at such gatherings,”he wrote.
“When I gave feedback to my constituents over the weekend, people were happy to hear the good news from you and they asked me to invite you for the rally, so that they may be relieved of the debilitating hunger wreaking havoc in their homes. I am, therefore, pleased to extend this invitation to you, honourable minister, on their behalf,” he wrote.
Mupfumira was not immediately available for comment, as her mobile phone went unanswered.
Saruwaka, in the letter, also provides direction to the venue of the meeting, which is 310km from Harare.
“I suggest you use an off-road vehicle because of the 10km dirt road from Bvuma turn-off to Masere.”
