Council gives stands to squatters

The development brings to an end the controversy that has seen villagers in the area clashing with the council over the relocation of the squatters from Killarney and Trenance squatter camps.

 

The council, in conjunction with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), is implementing the project meant to resettle 197 squatter families from Killarney and Trenance.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony at Hyde Park, Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Thaba Moyo said the controversy over the resettlement of squatters was over.

“This is a great day for us all. The resettlement issue has been discussed a lot in the newspapers with some saying there is  controversy,” said Clr Moyo.

“Today we are here to bring this issue to an end.  This is a joint project between the council, World Vision and IOM. People should know that this area is managed by council and they should not complain when council gives people stands.”

Clr Moyo said the council was concerned about the problem of squatters and was discussing different strategies to solve the problem. 
“It is our principle as a city that an  appropriate solution is found for every displaced person in Bulawayo,” he said.
Clr Moyo urged the new villagers to conserve the environment and guard against vandalism of infrastructure put in place by the development partners.

He said council would continue working closely with the villagers to ensure that they work together towards developing their livelihoods.

Speaking at the same occasion World Vision Zimbabwe Humanitarian and  Emergency Affairs director Mrs Janelle Marongeza said the new villagers would be able to make long-term development plans about their lives.

She said the organisation would assist in the construction of two-roomed houses each for the 197 families and announced that three boreholes have already been drilled in the area to provide water for domestic and agricultural activities.

“As you may be aware, this project is a result of a tripartite partnership, involving Bulawayo City Council, IOM and World Vision Zimbabwe. As World Vision, our part in this project is to facilitate the provision of 300 emergency shelters for the voluntarily relocated families,” said Mrs Marongeza.

“We are also going to facilitate the provision of 60 emergency latrines, 30 for males and another 30 for females. We have already drilled three boreholes and as we speak, there is work going on the fourth. Water and sanitation are very important for the well being of communities and as an organisation, we place much emphasis on these.”

The new villagers are expected to relocate soon after the construction of the houses whose deadline is yet to be set.

Mrs Marongeza said her organisation would also facilitate the construction of a   secondary school in the village.

Clr Monica Lubimbi, who chairs the health and housing committee, applauded the  resettlement of squatters, saying it would go a long way towards assisting the beneficiaries.

The chairperson of Robert Sinyoka, St Peters and Methodist villages, Mr Nicholas Dube, also paid tribute to council for facilitating the resettlement of squatters.

“We are very grateful to council and its development partners for spearheading this integration process. This is a peaceful community and we expect our new neighbours to promote peace. We also urge the council to upgrade the road network, which is in a sorry state,” said Mr Dube.

In separate interviews some of the beneficiaries who attended said they were excited for getting proper residential places.

“I am elated. I have been waiting for this moment for the past 11 years. I have six children and 10 grandchildren. I would now have a proper place to live in,” said Mrs Jester Sibanda from Trenance.

Mr Wilson Ngwenya also expressed       happiness: “This is a delightful moment for us. Since 1980 when the country got  Independence we did not have proper places to live. Now our children will have access to education and other essential services,” said Mr Ngwenya.

However, Mrs Judith Ndlovu from Killarney said although they have been allocated stands, they were not happy because some of their friends were left behind.