Business Correspondent
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has confirmed that the government spent a staggering $17 million on luxury twin-cab vehicles for chiefs earlier this year, leaving the responsible ministry financially strained.
When questioned by Clemence Chiduwa, chair of the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Portfolio Committee, Ncube defended the expenditure, saying,
“The vehicles are necessary tools for chiefs to serve their communities effectively.”
Ncube explained that the bulk of the overspending was due to the procurement of 237 high-end Isuzu 4×4 twin-cabs and the review of allowances, emphasizing that the vehicles are essential for the chiefs’ duties.
“The chiefs need these vehicles to carry out their responsibilities, and we cannot expect them to do their work without the necessary tools,” Ncube said.
However, this lavish spending has sparked controversy and raised concerns nationwide, with many questioning the government’s priorities.
“This is a clear case of misplaced priorities,” said Chiduwa.
“The government should be focusing on more pressing issues, such as healthcare and education, rather than splurging on luxury vehicles for chiefs.”
The unauthorized spending has also raised concerns about the government’s financial management and accountability.
“This is a clear indication of the government’s lack of fiscal discipline,” said an economic analyst.
“The fact that the spending was not budgeted for raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.”
About 5 million people in both urban and rural areas face imminent hunger due to El Nino induced drought that saw crops wilting under severe heat strain, yet the government spends such enormous amounts of money of luxury vehicles.
Only this week this publication ran a story on ‘Mnangagwa’s begging bowl still empty”.
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