Zanu-PF splashes $200 million on top brass

The ruling Zanu-PF has splashed over $200 million on imported state-of-the-art agricultural equipment including heavy-duty tractors for distribution to high-ranking party and government officials resettled on A2 commercial-size farms under unclear circumstances at a time the economy is in a state of comatose.

The move has been condemned by political analysts under the present circumstances, describing it as a case of blatantly misplaced priorities.

It is understood that although the multi-million dollar agricultural equipment was sourced through government funding at a time Zimbabweans are staring starvation in the face, Zanu-PF would distribute the equipment to its members - most of them resettled on A2 farms countrywide.

Impeccable sources said the distribution would be staggered until the 2018 election as a campaign tool.

The sources said only card-carrying Zanu-PF members will benefit just like with the 2007-2008 farm mechanization programme.

Although no comment could be obtained from Agriculture minister Joseph Made, his deputy (crops) Davies Marapira confirmed the existence of the agricultural equipment, but refused to give details referring further questions to Made.

Repeated efforts to contact Made this week were fruitless.