'Tsholotsho floods victims must appeal to their MP,' says Prof Moyo

Professor Jonathan Moyo, the Media, Information and Broadcasting Services minister,  says it was not his prerogative to immediately respond to the floods that hit his former constituency Tsholotsho despite it being his hometown.

Responding to a question last week at the Bulawayo Press Club, Moyo said people of Tsholotsho should have appealed to their Member of Parliament, since they did not vote for him.

"How can they want me to do something for them when I am not their Member of Parliament?" Moyo asked.

"The people did not even vote for me.

"I am not a visitor in Tsholotsho because it is my hometown but I have got a national duty.

"The people should therefore hold into account the person that they voted for not me."

Moyo lost his parliamentary seat for Tsholotsho North constituency in the July 31 vote to MDC's Roseline Nkomo.

The spin-doctor applied for a recount to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) but justice Martin Makonese dismissed the appeal.

Moyo rejected claims that the Zanu-PF government was unresponsive to the crisis.

"The government I work for did not delay, it responded on time and it has structures that are currently on the ground," he said.

"The provincial administrator had a report which indicated that they responded to the floods on the second day."

A delegation of ministers including Moyo last  Wednesday made donations to some of the affected villagers in Tsholotsho.

The floods, that affected more than 80 families in Tsholotsho, were a result of Gariya Dam spilling and overflowing into Gwayi and other rivers.

Affected areas include Butabubili, Gariya, Dzokotsi, Mtshina, Sandawana, Sasedza, Kalave, Mahlaba, Mapili, Mahlosi, Mbanyana, Matupula, Mbamba and Jimila villages.