Mugabe gives $200m project to Bona in-law

THE opposition PDP party on Tuesday blasted the controversial awarding of the $200 million Dema Diesel Power Station tender to Bona Mugabe's brother-in-law without going through formal tender awarding processes.

Derrick Chikore, brother to Simba Chikore who married the first family's only daughter, was granted the multi-million-dollar project together with Sakunda Holdings by the Zimbabwe Power Company.

In a statement, Tendai Biti's party accused President Robert Mugabe of practising nepotism.

PDP said the lucrative project, which is under the direct supervision of the Office of the President and Cabinet, had "all the hallmarks of a corrupt arrangement".

"As PDP, we directly hold Mugabe guilt of nepotism and we denounce such cronyism when the country's economy is struggling," said the party.

"It is clear that Mugabe is behind the illegal awarding of the tender to Derrick Chikore in order for his in-laws to join the looting gravy train."

The fledgling opposition said it was apparent Derrick was being used as a front to protect Simba and Bona's financial interests.

Said PDP, "However, it is worrying that instead of benefitting the people better access and affordability to power, the Dema power project will instead see the already suffering majority being charged more in electricity charges."

The Zimbabwe Power Company, is under fire for awarding a $400 million deal to flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo's Intratek.