Mixed feelings over Covid-19 donations in Epworth

Tawanda Matanhire

Epworth residents have raised concerns over the way donations from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in cooperation with DanChurchAid (DCA) were distributed to underprivileged families.

Some of the donations which were meant to benefit poor families in the wake of Covid-19 are said to have been handed to unintended beneficiaries as a result of corruption and nepotism.

“We heard that people are being registered to receive Covid-19 relief but when I went to register I was told that there was nothing of that nature at the offices, only to hear that people who had registered were receiving money and food vouchers” said Tendai Mutinha from Chiremba Area.

“Leaders in charge register people they know and make them a priority while the rest of the population is left to fend for themselves,” he added.
While other families collect groceries at popular shopping centres, many complain that their lack of popularity and ties to those who are coordinating for the programme leaves them at a disadvantage.

“We see others loaded with foodstuffs but the reality is that a lot of disadvantaged families do not get anything,” lamented a street vendor who could not reveal her identity for fear of victimisation.

“I’ve always believed in working for myself but life has not been easy because we could not work for a very long time and we thought these handouts would go a long way but sadly they only provided relief for a few known individuals,” she said.

An investigation by Nhau revealed more irregularities where there are beneficiaries who registered ghost family members and are receiving goods for people who do not exist.

“It’s sad to note that my next door neighbours are collecting groceries every month end yet they are a family of three while other families have no food in their homes,” said a man who chose only to be identified as Brian.
“It’s not fair because my grandmother is old but she got nothing from the relief fund. Some of the cases were reported to the local police who are handling them as we speak.”

When contacted for comment Coordinator for Ward 6 in Overpill Ms Gondo said she was not able to give any details because of hierarchical complications.

She referred Nhau to the Ward 6 councillor Mr Masunda whose phone was not reachable.

Also contacted for comment was the coordinating leader Amai Bakasa who referred the issue to Officials at Compensation House.
Meanwhile, those receiving the groceries and other goodies expressed joy and gratitude.

“We were surely going through a torrid time during the lockdown and these funds and groceries have made life easier for us. Many of the people who are complaining were ignorant (of the programme) and so did not to register,” said Mbuya Anna from Munyuki area.

“We were called to register at the offices and I did just that and later on were called to receive money and later food vouchers.”

WHO and DCA Covid-19 relief, which was availed during lockdown is targeting the old aged, orphans, jobless people and also the under-paid who are less privileged.

A family of four used to get US$40 while a family of six would receive $60. The programme later changed from giving money to availing shopping vouchers. Nhau/Indaba