“Looting Scandal Rocks Civil Protection Department Amidst Rising Disaster Toll”Spread the loveTinashe Sambiri– Government bureaucrats are accused of embezzling US$3 million allocated for emergency response during the current rainfall season, sparking outrage and concerns over the country’s preparedness to handle disasters. According to a government report, the Department of Civil Protection has received US$43 million, but only allocated US$30,000 per province for response to incidents, with each province also receiving 50 metric tonnes of maize grain. “To date, the Department of Civil Protection has received US$43 000 000 and allocated US$30 000 per province for response to incidents,” reads the report. However, an official in the Civil Protection Department in Masvingo dismissed the allegations, saying: “These claims are baseless and lack evidence. We are doing our best to respond to the disasters and support affected communities.”As Zimbabweans struggle to cope with the devastating impact of the rains, the alleged looting of civil protection funds has sparked outrage and demands for accountability.