(HERALD) Parly summons A-G over Zambian debt

Parly summons A-G over Zambian debt
Herald Reporter

THE Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Agriculture has summoned Attorney-General Mr Johannes Tomana to give evidence on the US$2,7 million owed to the Grain Marketing Board by the Food Reserve Agency of Zambia.

The debt emanates from a grain deal between Zimbabwe and Zambia entered into in 1998. The committee however, expressed displeasure with the failure by Mr Tomana to respond to previous invitations.

The committee also threatened to take action against him if he fails to appear at the next meeting. Committee chairperson, House of Assembly member for Chikomba Central Mr Moses Jiri (MDC-T) said Mr Tomana had failed to attend three meetings.

Speaking after officials from the GMB gave evidence to his committee, he said Parliament would take action against Mr Tomana.

The debt has been referred to the two countries’ attorneys general and Mr Tomana is expected to give evidence on the latest developments on the matter. Giving his evidence, acting GMB General Manager, Mr Zvidzai Makwenda said they were pursuing the matter vigorously.

"The issue of the Zambian debt is one that we are pursuing and pursuing vigorously.

"The US$2,7 million that is outstanding is very important for the organisation in terms of funding for our activities," he said.

Mr Jiri confirmed that the GMB had since submitted a file with the information they were now perusing.

"The information we requested was submitted and we are now studying it to see how we will proceed with the matter," he said.

The committee is investigating the delay in payment of the debt.

It also directed GMB officials to furnish the committee with details of what transpired since the time the deal was entered into.