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Herald Reporter
Cement manufacturer Lafarge Cement yesterday officially unveiled a US$350 000 model village in Murehwa district for people who were relocated from an area earmarked for their mining operation in Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe.
The village has 17 homesteads and the relocated villagers received farming inputs, US$500 per family from Lafarge. The cement company also would rehabilitate a nearby dam at the farm to support market gardening.
Ten families benefited from the project.
Speaking at the official opening of the homestead, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Mashonaland East Cde Simbaneuta Mudarikwa said Lafarge has done a good job by answering to calls of the community surrounding their operations.
“The job done by Lafarge should not be underestimated because they have shown that they respect the laws of the nation.
“The purpose of local economic development is to build the economic capacity of a local area such as Murehwa district and improve its economic future and the quality of life for all,” he said.
He added that the process would only be successful where the corporate sector, Government and civil society develop partnerships to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation.
“There is no better platform to talk about this than this day as we witness families being moved into new beginnings. The right support comes in identifying capacity building opportunities and a conducive environment for them to apply their trades and this is where the public/private partnerships become essential,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lafarge finance director Mr Farai Matanhire, who was speaking on behalf of the managing director said it is the duty of companies to develop communities where they operate from.
“When we hear the definition of sustainable development we are reminded that it is development that takes place without compromising the ability of future generations to survive.
“Therefore all industrial operations need to consider this type of initiative in any basic strategy which drives their ability to survive,” he said.
The mining operations have affected the community’s dwellings and grazing land located within the mine plan which therefore led to the relocation of the families to Murehwa.
Consultations were made to ensure the process was to take place effectively and 17 families are yet to be relocated to other areas.
Lafarge cement operates the Mbubu limestone quarry in Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe. Mbubu limestone claims are found in Hodzi village and consequently 28 families have been affected by Lafarge’s mining operations in the area.
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