Government splashed US$20 million on top-of-the-range vehicles for ministers, their deputies and permanent secretaries. Finance minister Tendai Biti appeared to be shifting the blame to Goche, when he told journalists to direct their enquiries to the Zanu PF minister over the issue that has angered long-suffering Zimbabweans.
Goche on Friday said: “Where would I get that money to purchase the cars? I am not the Treasury.” Last week Biti was quoted in the local media implying that it was Goche who was responsible for the purchase of the luxury vehicles.
“Why do you want me to respond to that issue? I am not the Minister of Transport.
“Look for (Nicholas) Goche and ask him. I am not at liberty to talk about that,” Biti was quoted as saying. The move shocked civil servants, who have been battling to get a living wage from the inclusive government since its formation.
An organisation calling itself the Committee of the Peoples has come up with a petition asking those who got the luxury cars to return them. The group says the meagre resources should instead be channelled to key ministries of health and education.
