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Cletus Mushanawani Mash Central Bureau
MASHONALAND Central Province is in the process of evicting more than 2 500 illegal settlers from farms as the devolution agenda gathers momentum.
In a speech read on her behalf by the provincial administrator in Mazowe last week, Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga said: “As a province, we are engaged with the removal of illegal settlers whose number is in excess of 2 500. Notices of evictions were delivered and others are voluntarily heeding the call.
“We also held our provincial and district meetings to share information and ensure the implementation of this Cabinet decision.”
The move by the province comes at a time when it is preparing to host a SMART Agriculture Conference to be addressed by President Mnangagwa at Chaminuka Agriculture Technical College on Thursday.
Turning to challenges facing one of the provincial anchors, mining, Minister Mavhunga expressed concern in the cessation of operations at Shamva and Mazowe gold mines.
“In light of the devolution agenda, our economy is anchored on agriculture and mining, among other sectors. We are greatly concerned with the cessation of operations at home fields of Shamva and Mazowe (Jumbo Mine).
“Equipment was attached through a court order and consequently many families suffered loss of employment and there has been rampant escalation of illegal mining activities that are threatening the security of the mine and by large reduction in our provincial gold output. We pray for Government intervention to resuscitate operations.”
Coming to the provincial food needs, Minister Mavhunga called for an increase in the allocations.
“This year has not been good for our agriculture. Our districts in the low-lying areas of Rushinga, Muzarabani, Mukumbura and Mbire were hard hit and so they require urgent food aid. We are grateful that Government is giving the province a total of 3 204 tonnes of grain per month for 70 080 vulnerable households through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. However, this quantity needs to be increased and relevant applications were done,” she said.
Online Reporter