Brighton Chiseva
ZAKA – Tongaat Hullets’ Triangle sugar company has released US$36 000 to Zaka district’s community share ownership scheme in compliance with the requirements of the government’s controversial indigenisation policies.
Sources have however told TellZim News the move has already sparked serious disagreements among community leaders who are reportedly not finding each other on how to use the money.
A stakeholder meeting called last week to discuss how to use the money reportedly degenerated into a fiasco with chiefs and councillors failing to find common ground.
Zaka Rural District Council (ZRDC) Chairperson, Sebastian Musundire confirmed the release of the funds and said the money was still in the council treasury since they have not yet decided on how the money will be used.
“We received the money a few weeks ago and we recently had a stakeholder meeting to discuss how the money can be put to good use,” said Musundire.
He dismissed reports that the community leaders’ meeting did not end well.
Reliable sources, however, told this publication some councillors were of the opinion that the money should be divided among Zaka’s four constituencies with each deciding how to use its share.
There were also fears that the money would be misappropriated by the council if it was not distributed urgently.
Musundire, however, said the council was yet to go to wards for consultations with the people.
“We will consult the people at ward level and do what the majority wants. We consider income generating projects that will help to alleviate poverty in the district,” said Musundire
Some locals who spoke to this publication suggested that the money be used to improve infrastructure in the district with roads and bridges being given the first priority.news
