By A Correspondent- Opposition leader Linda Masarira has challenged the MDC led by Nelson Chamisa and his deputy Tendai Biti to stop playing politics with human life and instead use their claimed Western donor friends to source medical equipment for Zimbabweans.
This follows claims by Biti that Zanu-PF bigwigs were working with a private medical expert to set up their own medical facility where health practitioners will be reportedly paid allowances in US dollars while the rest of the ordinary people will make do with under resourced public hospitals.
Biti made the claims on social media Wednesday afternoon.
Responding to the claims, LEAD President Linda Masarira urged the opposition to stop politics and focus on the task of ensuring lives were saved from the ravaging coronavirus.
“Tendai Biti and the MDC cabal should stop this nonsense asap. The whole world is faced with the coronavirus pandemic and no opposition party across the globe is politicking with COVID-19 instead world over politicians are working together to find solutions that work to rid their countries of this deadly disease,” she told a local publication.
“WE EXPECT ALL MDC OFFICIALS TO BE MATURE AND STOP SPREADING MALICIOUS AND UNFOUNDED PROPAGANDA FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY.
“I am sure most Zimbabweans will be happy to see the MDC using their western donors, friends and partners to assist with buying ventilators, masks, gloves, sanitizers and other essential medical supplies during this trying time instead of being masters of propaganda to settle cheap political scores.”
Masarira said on her side, her party was mobilising resources from its membership as well as partners to join in the fight against the coronavirus. Among the materials they are sourcing is food, she added.
“As LEAD we are busy in talks with potential donors for food hampers to distribute to the poor and vulnerable when the times get tough. Food security is a major issue we are worried about as a party and we are appealing with all political parties to work together with the government to help with accurate information dissemination on how to fight COVID-19.
“We are also advising people to stay at home and protect their communities. Let us all be responsible citizens and stop spreading propaganda.
“Zimbabwe needs all of us united in our diversity inspiring hope and working towards curbing coronavirus,” said Masarira.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health and Child Care Obadiah Moyo has dismissed as fakes reports that Zanu-PF was contracting its benefactors to set up its own medical facility for the ruling party elites.
Speaking on ZTN online TV on Wednesday evening, Moyo said all facilities resourced from Government funds will be open to the public.
It has since emerged that Sakunda Holdings has identified St. Annes Hospital in Avondale as well as the now defunct Rock Foundation Medical Centre in Mt. Pleasant and intends to set up emergency medical facility to complement Government efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
It is envisaged that if all proceedings are done on time, one of the facilities will be operational by Wednesday next week if the program goes according to plan.
Sakunda Holdings officials have already toured the health facilities and have so far moved their personnel at Rock Foundation Medical Centre after working with local medical experts and specialist to identify what is required while negotiations are currently underway with management at St Annes Hospital amid indications that the company is ready to foot all the refurbishment bills.-Online