Villagers disrupt food distribution in Gutu

There was pandemonium in Gutu last week when villagers violently disrupted the distribution of social welfare food alleging that the process was being unfairly handled by Chairpersons and Child Care Workers (CCWs) forcing the whole exercise to be postponed.

Villagers from Chivake area in Ward 1 under Councillor David Mudziwapasi complained that their village chairpersons and child care workers were putting their friends and relatives’ names on the beneficiaries’ list while ignoring the disabled, orphaned and elderly.

“The village heads are doing what they want because the councillor only comes on distribution day without any idea of what is going on. The register is full of working people’s names and the CCWs’ relatives yet there are vulnerable people who have been ignored. 

“We are happy the process got disrupted; it is better for everybody to get nothing than let the rich get richer. There is so much corruption taking place,” said Mbuya Chimuka who has a disabled grandchild living in Chivake Village.

Mudziwapasi confirmed the postponement but said it was just a misunderstanding.

“We failed to distribute the food last week because of confusion as villagers failed to understand why an individual could get two bags of maize whilst others could not get even one.

“The maize was supposed to cover March and April with only those on the register supposed to benefit but others who were not there made noise forcing Social Welfare officials to postpone the distribution. The village heads and chairpersons are in the process of selecting the needy so that they can be given their food on a yet-to-be agreed date,” said Mudziwapasi.

Provincial Coordinator in the Ministry of Public Works, Labour and Social Welfare Ngoni Jakaza admitted there are people who are trying to manipulate the process.

“The leadership for the programme was selected from the communities but there are individuals who try to fit in everywhere so that they can loot from the poor. There is a similar case we are dealing with in Mapanzure. 

“We will take action against everyone who is benefiting at the expense of the vulnerable. Councillors should work closely with committees to ensure everything is done properly,” said Jakaza, urging people with complaints to report their issues to the Provincial Administrator’s office.news