Chronicle Editor
Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
VILLAGERS from Zwehamba in Maphisa, Matabeleland South province who lost more than 40 animals after the livestock drank contaminated water will be compensated, according to the Agricultural Rural Development Authority (Arda).
In the incident that occurred last Monday, the water was allegedly contaminated with urea, a fertiliser chemical from the Arda farm that is situated in Zwehamba Village, about 25 kilometres from Maphisa Centre under Chief Nyangazonke.
Although villagers said more than 41 animals died, an agreement has been drawn up for the compensation of 27.
Some of the villagers such as Ms Sithembinkosi Ndlovu and Mr Robert Thebe (not Thembinkosi and Albert as previously reported) reportedly lost 13 goats and a bull calf respectively after their animals drank from the contaminated stream.
Arda Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tinotenda Mhiko said although the authority was aware of the incident, the farm in question was leased to Mr Deane Leroux.
He said Mr Leroux with guidance from Arda, will compensate villagers for their losses.
“That estate has been run by our partner Mr Dean Leroux for some years.
Representatives have met the people and village head.
Our partner will be the one who will compensate the people for their losses.
“As Arda, we are very apologetic to the villagers.
We have a manager on site who works with the partner and under our guidance, we are helping him rectify the problem,” said Mr Mhiko.
He said there were actually 26 goats and a cow that died and according to an agreement, 27 livestock will be compensated to the villagers with an adult goat being pegged at R1 000 and a calf being R2 000.
“As per confirmed minutes of the village head and family owners meeting for compensation: Robert Thebe — one calf, Sithembikhosi Ndlovu — 13 goats, Egenia Moyo — eight goats and Sithembiso Ncube — five goats.
The total is 26 goats and one calf. Values agreed — adult goat R1 000 and calf — R2 000.
Village Head for Zwehamba presided over the issue and the next payment will be done,” said Mr Mhiko.
He said they were in the process of implementing the recommendations by the Environmental Management Agency, chief among them to fence off the area.
“We have also spoken to our partner to comply with the EMA recommendations that they gave out,” said Mr Mhiko.
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