by Christopher Makaza
Despite claims by opposition officials and activists that COVID-19 donations are being abused by the State, Government continues to promote transparency and accountability through publicising every received donation in the public media.
The Government as per usual published in The Sunday Mail of 21 June, a consolidated record of received donations from April to June 2020.
The consolidated reports follow President Emmerson Mnangagwa's pledge that all COVID-19 donations, regardless of size or monetary value, will be accounted for and put to good use.
"All donations being made by corporates and individuals towards the fight against COVID-19 will be put to good use and accounted for," President Mnangagwa said while receiving some donations at State House a few months ago.
According to the recent consolidated report, the Government as at 29 May 2020 released a total of ZWL$ 1 106 644 594 against a total budget of ZWL$1 554 895 461 to various Ministries and Government departments leaving an outstanding cash transfer of ZWL$448 250 867.
On the list, corporates, development partners, individuals, governments such as China, stakeholders from the tourism sector, churches and local companies donated towards the cause.
Donations made in all the country's 10 Provinces which include cash, food, fuel, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) like hand sanitizers, face masks, among other items were all highlighted on the list.
Significant donations also highlighted in the report include refurbishment of Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic Isolation centre by How mine, a clinic with 20 beds in Insiza district donated by Bindura Nickel mine and 200 beds donated by Gwanda State University.
To show high level of transparency and accountability over the donated items, even the smallest donations of tea cups, tea bags and bathing soaps were highlighted on the published list.
Meanwhile, in a clear testimony that the Government is serious in fighting corruption involving COVID-19 issues, Health and Child Care Minister, Obadiah Moyo was on Friday arrested on charges of abuse of office. The Minister is alleged to have been involved in NatPham`s unprocedural contract with Drax International LLC to supply medicines and surgical sundries.
