Speaking to The Herald, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo said President Emmerson Mnangagwa will handover the first batch of vehicles to traditional chiefs during today’s meeting in Gweru.
Said Moyo:
This is the first batch of vehicles for our traditional leaders. Some will receive their vehicles while we wait for the next batch of vehicles for the other chiefs. Soon, every chief in the country would receive his or her vehicle.
This however against the pronouncement by Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa that there were no funds to procure vehicles for chiefs which amounted to US$14 million. Said Chinamasa:
Hence, the 2018 Budget took account of value for money and affordability as guiding principles in the allocation of resources, and is unable to provide for the above vehicle requests.
Robert Mugabe procured 226 Isuzu double cab vehicles for traditional leaders following a request by the chiefs. The move was criticised by the opposition and civic society who said it was a waste of taxpayers’ money and would further strain Treasury. However, Fortune Charumbira, praised government decision to buy the vehicles for chiefs, saying they were a God-given right befitting their status.