Online Reporter
George Maponga-Masvingo Bureau
The Government has pledged to review concerns raised by the Tugwi-Mukosi Residents Association (TMRA) over potential displacements linked to the proposed Tugwi-Mukosi combination masterplan, which outlines future development projects around Zimbabwe’s largest inland water body.
This comes as the 60-day window for public input into the draft masterplan closed recently, allowing communities in Masvingo and Chivi districts to submit their views on the ambitious plan, which seeks to transform the 1,8 billion cubic metre dam into a hub for irrigation, tourism and urban development.
TMRA has appealed to authorities to ensure that the final plan excludes any projects that would lead to the further displacement of families already living near the dam.
Their appeal is grounded in fears that new developments, such as a proposed game park, golf course, and a new town, could uproot thousands more families, adding to the more than 4 000 who were relocated over a decade ago when the dam basin was flooded.
Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, confirmed that the Government is currently compiling a report on the objections received.
He said these submissions will be carefully reviewed before a final decision is made.
“A report about their objections is still being compiled and I am still to see it because the window for filing objections just closed recently but once we have a full report we will look at it and respond with the help of local authorities in question (Masvingo Rural District Council and Chivi Rural District Council).
“It is also important to note that both the objections and our response will be sent to the Minister of Local Government (and Public Works) who will then make a final decision,” said Dr Pazvakavambwa.
The draft masterplan, prepared by four of Zimbabwe’s leading universities — Great Zimbabwe University, the University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University and the National University of Science and Technology — proposes a number of developments in the dam’s buffer zone.
These include a 1 700-hectare game park, a 330-hectare golf course near Ngundu Growth Point and a 560-hectare site earmarked for a new town.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the proposed game park alone could displace over 3 000 families.
This has sparked concern among residents and stakeholders who fear a repeat of past displacements, particularly those that occurred in Chingwizi and Masangula in Mwenezi East.
TMRA chairperson Mr Tinago Tinago stressed that the development of Tugwi-Mukosi should prioritise food security and community empowerment through irrigation schemes rather than tourism infrastructure that displaces local residents.
“We are relieved that our Government is led by a listening President who from day one has sought to lead a people-oriented Government that is driving the nation towards speedy attainment of Vision 2030 targets,” said Mr Tinago.
“The Tugwi Mukosi Residents Association’s appeal to the Second Republic of Zimbabwe, well known for its strength in listening to the views of its people, is that the Government’s focus on Tugwi-Mukosi water body should remain as that of food security.”
