Chief wants illegal settlers evicted

Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Zhombe Chief, Weight Gwesela, has called on settlers who illegally occupied land along the Mbembeswane River to relocate in a move meant to ensure their safety and curb environmental degradation.

Chief Gwesela told delegates at a water awareness campaign in Zhombe recently that besides practising riverbank cultivation, about 20 families settled along the river were at risk in case of flooding.

“We want the illegal settlers who have occupied the area to be moved from the place,” he said.

“We are not against the idea of people having farming land, but we are against illegal settling.”

Chief Gwesela said he has since raised the matter with Kwekwe District Administrator Mr Fortune Mpungu, who promised to look into the matter.

“We have toured the area with the DA and he can agree with me that the place is very dangerous and people must be moved away from that area,” he said. “As a community, we need to be prepared in the event of unfortunate disasters such as flooding.

“It happened in Chimanimani only recently and people lost their lives.

If we do not act, we might be ignoring disaster.”  Chief Gwesela said it was wise to take measures before disaster struck.

“What we are faced with is an avoidable situation and people must be moved away from that place and go back to where ever they came from,” he said.

He said some families had occupied nearby pastures, affecting grazing land for livestock.

Speaking at the same event, Mr Mpungu said his office was seized with the matter.

“Of course, we have received the complaints from the traditional leaders and we have visited the place,” he said.

“I can assure you that we are definitely looking into the matter and we are looking for alternative land where the people can be moved.”