BY KENNETH NYANGANI
The Zimunya-Marange Community Ownership Trust has started disbursing funds for developmental projects in Mutare district, but says bureaucratic tender processes are delaying the exercise.
Administrator of the trust David Garwe told a Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association workshop in Mutare on Tuesday that community projects had to be assessed by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ).
The Zimbabwe Consolidation Diamond Company (ZCDC) last year availed $5 million to revive trust.
Garwe said each of the 36 wards in the area was set to get $80 000, while four constituencies would receive $160 000 each, with six districts benefitting a $100 000 windfall each.
“We have Mutare South, which responded fast and had to go through the PRAZ guidelines on procuring equipment and services,” he said.
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“The same can be said in Mutare West, as they have already started the projects. We know the issue of inflation has caused some communities to claim that they are not getting money on time, but it is good to follow the procurement regulations, because you will end up in trouble.”
Garwe said there was transparency in the distribution of funds as there were recognisable structures.
“There is transparency in the distribution of funds, because we are using recognisable structures and we are aware of challenges that we might face with politicians,” he said.
“I am very glad with the position that was taken by (Zanu PF) Mutare North Member of Parliament Mike Madiro, who met some of the councillors from MDC-Alliance and mapped the way forward.”