Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
ABOUT 30 families that have been living in illegal shacks at Maphane Compound in Gwanda have been given an eviction notice as the Government moves to restore sanity and avert a potential disease outbreak.
The place, which does not have ablution facilities and water, is mostly occupied by people employed in surrounding mines.
One of the affected dwellers, Ms Sikhangele Madlala, who has been staying in a shack in the area for two years, said the eviction notice has left her in despair.
Ms Madlala said she cannot afford to pay rent in Gwanda since she relies on part-time jobs.
“We were given up to January to move out of this place because we are staying here illegally. We were given a three-month notice, which effectively means we should vacate this place in January,” she said.
“I was born in this area because my grandfather used to work for the former owner of this place. I later moved to Kafusi where I grew up before relocating to Gwanda Town where I rented a room.”
Another settler at the compound, Ms Grace Moyo said despite living under poor conditions, the illegal shacks have brought huge relief to them.
She said most of the people in the area are not gainfully employed.
Maphane Compound land development chairperson, Mr Milson Gumbo said it is important for the illegal settlers to be given alternative accommodation. He said most of the settlers who lived in shacks were moved from another area.
“The families were not given alternative accommodation which forced them to live in shacks. The compound also has families that have stayed in legal structures for years but they did not have any paperwork,” he said.
“This area has families that are occupying illegal structures and those occupying legal structures. Most families that are using the illegal structures are struggling to make ends meet. It would be ideal if they were assisted in building homes.”
Mr Gumbo said they have since engaged the Ministry of Lands over the issue.
“We submitted documentation for each home and we are saying if these people could set rentals or if they can give us lease agreements then it could be better,” he said.
Gwanda District Development Coordinator Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu, who also chairs the district land committee, said the committee resolved to find alternative space for the illegal settlers. She said the process will be done in phases.
Ms Ndlovu said it is important for residents to move to proper homesteads to avoid the outbreak of cholera.
“We met as the lands committee to deliberate on the issue of people staying illegally in Maphane area. This issue has dragged for too long and there is a need for it to be addressed,” she said.
“These people are sitting on a health time bomb as the area doesn’t have water and ablution facilities. We have given the settlers a notice and those who may choose to relocate to places of their choices are free to do so.”
Ms Ndlovu said they have since identified land where the illegal settlers would be relocated.
“They will be given time to construct their homesteads. After that time frame those shacks will be demolished and no one will be expected to construct one in that area. We are trying to bring sanity in the area,” she said.
“We want housing to meet the minimum standards in terms of water and sanitation hygiene. At the same time it’s important for the settlers to be moved with an option of alternative accommodation.” —@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter