The Chiadzwa Community Development Trust (CCDT) is up in arms against diamond mining companies in Chiadzwa who extended their mining concessions without the consent of locals.
One of the giant mining in Chiadzwa, is reportedly extending the mining area by encroaching into five villages, a move which will result in the displacement of 200 households to pave way for the mining giant’s mining operations.
The affected villages include Betera, Chipindirwa, Garanewako, Femberwi and Chishingwi.
At a community meeting held at Chipindirwe School recently, the CCDT resolved to take up the matter with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and other relevant authorities as they felt unfairly treated by the companies.
“We have been waylaid by the mining companies here.
“As we speak now, 200 families are facing eviction, yet there has never been communication with the community on these latest developments,” said CCDT programmes manager Melanie Chiponda.
“Now that the companies are putting up fireguards it means that almost 200 families will be relocated. “The issues of relocation should be treated carefully because people need to know their future settlements in time and they also need to plan,” he said.
During the meeting which was monitored by armed police, villagers demanded they be consulted over the proposed extensions before any work starts.
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They said this would avoid clashes reminiscent of the contested 2011 relocations of villagers from Chiadzwa.
MP for the area, Shuah Mudiwa, also expressed concern about the move by the mining companies.
Efforts to get comment from the district administrator’s office were fruitless yesterday.
