The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has clarified some ‘misconceptions surrounding the US$27 million fund meant for the rehabilitation of national silos saying the money did not come from either government or Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe as widely shared by the portfolio committee on lands and agriculture.

In a statement released late Monday by GMAZ spokesperson, Garikai Chaunza said;

“We learnt with shock and disbelief of a statement by the Portfolio Committee Chair, on his personal twitter account, that GMAZ is snubbing Parliament with regards to accounting for US$27M. For the record GMAZ has never received loan, grant or any financial assistance from Government or Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe,” said Chaunza

He said the money in question was sourced by the millers and subsequently paid to the respective supplier with proof of payments submitted to parliament.

“The US$27M in question relates to foreign currency that GMAZ bought at the prevalent exchange rate at the time with the funds remitted to respective supplier. The necessary acquittals proving that the wheat came into the country were done through our bankers,” he said.

He said proof of foreign payments to wheat suppliers and allocation were submitted to the Portfolio Committee on 19 March 2019 and video footage was available as supporting evidence.

Chaunza said they had through the media publicly published statistics showing the quantum and distribution of the wheat and that the source documents were available for inspection.

He added that Parliament affairs must not be communicated through twitter accounts since the institution has its official communication platforms.