Zimbabwe Finance Minister says the US$3.5 billion compensation for white farmers is still confidential

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Hon. Markham, you raised the issue, are you happy with that progress report on behalf of the august House?

HON. MARKHAM: Yes Mr. Speaker, I just want to reiterate that on the payment, we approved in this House, 3.3 billion and the Minister is already admitting that they are doing an audit which is only coming to 2.7, which is half a billion dollars which we would not know about if I had not asked the question.  Quite frankly, it is taking nearly two months to get that answer.  I want to thank the Minister for his honest response.

On the issue of the blocked funds, what I would like to know is, if a few companies are paying someone, I would like to know to whom that money is going to.  I will tell you why Mr. Speaker. A lot of people are paying themselves outside the country. That is why I would like to know who the blocked funds were released to.  We are talking of 3.3 billion dollars, which we were quarrelling here and which throws us wherever our debt threshold is.  On the issue of global funds, it is exactly the same Mr. Speaker, USD3.5 billion going to some 4 000 farmers who have been waiting 20 years for it and it is still confidential. We as a House need to know what is happening and what we are tying ourselves to for the future.  I do not accept any confidential agreement on a loan that I have paid taxes to.  In my case, having lost a farm I am now paying tax to myself for that land which does not make sense.   Mr. Speaker, what that does highlight is that we have numerous loans in this country by the Government of Zimbabwe with confidentiality, and I may not bring it to this House.  What is the point of this House Mr. Speaker?  We changed the Constitution, you do not have to ask us anymore to borrow money, saka ngatiende kumba chete because we are doing nothing.  I thank you.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  I think those points are noted by the Hon. Minister, they will be part of the progress report. Hon. Minister, is that agreed – some of these grey areas can be part of the progress report.

HON. PROF. M. NCUBE:  Obviously, I will include that in the progress report.

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