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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
THE government has availed permanent stands to about 906 families displaced from the Tokwe-Mukosi flood basin in Chivi district, Masvingo early this year.At least 454 families have been moved from Chingwizi transit camp to their new settlement with more set for relocation soon, a senior government official said on Wednesday.
Masvingo provincial administrator Felix Chikovo told Chronicle that government has made significant progress in allocating affected families land on a permanent site.
“The Department of Physical Planning has so far completed pegging stands for 906 families settled at Chingwizi Transit Camp. From this figure, 454 families have already moved as of last week and we hope the remainder will follow soon,” said Chikovo.
Chikovo said those allocated stands were free to put permanent structures and start leading normal lives although they would use tents as shelter for a start. He acknowledged that some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have pulled out of the transit camp but said a few had promised to extend their stay in the area.
“Families are expected to establish homesteads once they have moved to a permanent site and the government will continue assisting them,” said Chikovo.
“Most NGOs have announced their withdrawal from Chingwizi Camp leaving the responsibility to government. However, there are two organisations, Plan International Zimbabwe and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) who have extended their stay up to September.”
He said construction of toilets and drilling of boreholes was in progress with 20 set for completion.
Chikovo said sanitary facilities have been constructed and construction of satellite schools was on the pipeline with pupils already using a makeshift two-classroom block built by Freda Rebecca Mine at the new site.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo