Nearly 3,700 households, or about 17,000 people, in Chivi and Masvingo rural districts are set to be displaced under the government’s Tugwi-Mukosi Development Master Plan.
The figure comes from a report compiled by four state universities, the University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University, National University of Science and Technology, and Great Zimbabwe University, and released in May this year.
If implemented, this will mark a second major round of displacements in the area, coming just 11 years after around 18,000 people were moved when the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam first filled up.
Many of those families were relocated to the remote and poorly resourced Nuanetsi Ranch, where they lived in transit camps under harsh conditions that drew criticism from human rights groups.
Although the government pledged compensation for homes and infrastructure lost in the previous relocation, only a small portion, roughly US$3.5 million, was reportedly paid out. Many of the affected have since passed away without ever receiving what they were owed.
The new master plan claims that funds for compensation are available, but for residents of Chivi and Masvingo Rural, such assurances feel all too familiar.
When reached by The Masvingo Mirror, Ministry of Local Government and Public Works spokesperson Gabriel Masvora said he would comment once the plan has been officially adopted. Said Masvora:
It has not yet been adopted and I would not want to pre-empty what will come out. We will be able to comment when they are done and implementing.
Tafirei Mashavakure, president of the Tugwi-Mukosi Community Development Association, said they expect the affected households to be fairly compensated and included in the development plans.
He added that the community hopes to have access to basic services like health facilities, schools, and clean water.
The displacements will impact residents from wards 22, 24, 28, and 31 in Chivi, as well as wards 22, 30, and 34 in Masvingo Rural.
More: Masvingo Mirror
Leave a Reply Cancel reply