In an attempt to deny a story that First Lady Grace Mugabe has grabbed state owned Mazowe Dam, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs responsible for Mashonaland Central, Advocate Martin Dinha confirmed that the First Lady was using the dam. He however denied that she was barring villagers from using the dam and said that only people with a permit from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) could use the dam.
Said Dinha:
This story is clearly and blatantly untrue. It is false. It depicts the level of journalism by the so-called independent journalists, who are in fact opposition mouthpieces, Western inspired loud speakers. I am very disappointed. Mazowe Dam remains a public dam that anyone with a permit obtained from Zinwa has use rights.
As a province, we categorically state that there is no attempt, let alone any deed or act the First Lady has done. Mazowe Dam is a public dam built by Government long back. In terms of the Water Act, everyone with a permit obtained through Zinwa has use rights.
In the interview with ZBC, Dinha said Mugabe was entitled to use the dam just like other farmers who were downstream.
More: Herald
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