THE government will have to look for alternative land to relocate displaced people from Chiadzwa in Marange following indications that land earmarked for the relocation exercise in Arda Transau is not adequate.
Staff Reporter
Speaking at the Mutare Press Club last week, Manicaland provincial administrator Fungai Mbetsa hinted that they might be forced to look for alternative land in districts such as Chipinge to accommodate people displaced by diamond mining activities.
Around 1 000 families have been moved to Arda Transau out of an estimated 4 000 families set to be relocated.
“Arda Transau has about 12 000 hectares and that is the land where people are relocated. The land will also be used for irrigation and grazing,” Mbetsa said.
“That land is not adequate. We are still looking for more land. Some people might be moved to Chipinge district or any other because Mutare district has no land.”
The provincial administrator said there was still resistance among people in Chiadzwa who were refusing to be relocated, adding that his office was not happy with the status of social amenities in Arda Transau. Currently, there were two schools and two clinics.
“There are only two clinics and obviously that is not enough. This is why I am complaining. Social amenities and irrigation should be prioritised. Some houses have solar panels while others don’t have.
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People are now complaining, saying they should not be treated differently,” Mbetsa said.
