Govt shuts taps on Trade Fair trip looting

Oscar J Jeke

Government is this year restricting the number of ministry and parastal representation at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo.

In a memo seen by this publication, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce directed that Ministries, Departments and Agencies limit the number manning a stand to a maximum of 15 and that all those who are only set to attend certain functions should only turn up for the relevant period then return to duty stations.

“Large stands: limit the number of officials to 15 people, Medium stands: limit the number of officials to 10 people, Small stands: limit the number of officials to five people. Officials involved in setting up stands should be present to carry out the necessary tasks and return to their respective stations,” the memo reads.

“Public officials registered to attend relevant business conferences should participate on the respective days and return to their stations thereafter. ” the ministry added.

The move ostenstibly meant to reduceto promote private sector involvement seems to also be targeting cutting costs.

“Furthermore, we have attached to this letter the budget template that you are required to complete and submit,” reads the memo.

Board member attendance has also been curtailed.

“Efforts to rationalise participation and promote greater involvement from the private sector, we have established new guidelines for board representation at the upcoming 64th ZITF. To ensure effective utilisation of resources and streamlined operations," reads the memo.

A source told Zim Now that some ministries and departments have been known to take over 30 people to ZITF chewin up large budgets in hotel and travel bills as well as allowances.