‘Allied Timbers have forgotten us’

Freedom Mutanda
PLANTATION companies should put community development at the fore of their operations as it can be the glue to attach them to neighbouring communities often accused of destroying vast tracts of forests. After recent media reports on suspected arson on timber plantations owned by Allied Timbers at Gwendingwe Estate, The Manica Post went on the ground and unravelled deep disgruntlement of communities in the vicinity of the once flourishing plantations.

The communities are bitterly complained about perceived lack of sensitivity by plantation management.

They say the plantation companies have deviated from the norms of the 80s where they used to assist communities in multifaceted ways. The community wants the company to assist in developing the Ngaone area.

Ngaone is a sprawling communal land ruled by Chief Mutema. Ngaone is known for its rich apple and grape fruits as well as potatoes. In the past, the Ngaone community coalesced and formed the Ngaone Development Association to spearhead its development.

The NDA’s aim was to champion the development of the area, the Ndau culture and inculcate a sense of belongingness among the Ndau children.

NDA vice chairperson, Mr Saul Handirimi Mukondo, said the pressure group’s sole aim was pushing for “a jump” in the standard of living of the local people.

“We do not condone economic sabotage like arson on the timber plantations. We can’t do that because there is a symbiotic relationship between ourselves and Gwendingwe Estate. We respect that, but this should be mutually beneficial to both parties,” said Mr Mukondo.

“It must be stressed that we are non-partisan, but our only bone of contention is these companies should assist in the development of Ngaone. In the 80s the estate used to hire its labour from the surrounding communities of Ngaone, Mataa, Tiya and other areas. These are the people would made fire guards (magwariro in local lingo),” said Mr Mukondo.

The creation of employment for the locals made environmental protection easier as the locals felt that they were part of the solution to the problem.

At the time, there were fire towers planted atop various hills within the estate that acted as the first line of defence against fires.

“There used to be 24-hour watchmen on guard and to the best of my knowledge, fires were not as frequent and destructive as they are these days when the literacy rate in the land has gone up exponentially,” said Mr Saul Mukondo.

Gwendingwe Sawmill used to have three eight hour shifts back then.

The knock down effect was creation of employment.

As profits accrued, sports flourished and social responsibility was more pronounced.

Today things have changed for worse. Animosity exists between the Estate and community. The Gombati-Ngaone road is in a sorry state. It is not trafficable.

So is the Skyline-Ngaone road again. It looks derelict.

The community wonders why the Gwendingwe Estate was failing to assist with gravelling.