Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
NINE families who have lived for decades within Bikita Minerals’ mining claim in Murape Village, Ward 11, Bikita District, are set to receive financial assistance and tonnes of quarry stones to help them build new homes following a mediation agreement facilitated by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC).
The agreement brings to an end a long-running dispute between the families and the mining company over land ownership, environmental and property rights.
The dispute arose after Bikita Minerals’ operations expanded into an area where the families had built their homes and lived for generations.
An investigation by the ZHRC established that the land had been registered as a mining claim before the families settled there and constructed their homes.
The commission subsequently recommended that Bikita Minerals assist the affected families with relocation.
Under the settlement agreement signed by Bikita Minerals, the nine households have agreed to vacate their homes in exchange for financial assistance and construction materials to enable them to rebuild elsewhere.
Chief Marozva will oversee the relocation process to help preserve community cohesion during the transition.
The ZHRC said the dispute was resolved through its Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism, which allows the commission to facilitate settlements in cases involving alleged human rights violations.
In a statement, the commission described the process as one that continues to help bridge the gap between human rights protection and practical access to redress.
“On the constitutional basis for our involvement, ZHRC acts to investigate suspected human rights violations and secure appropriate redress,” it said.
“The process gave parties an opportunity to engage constructively, address grievances and work towards mutually acceptable solutions,” said the statement.
Bikita Minerals spokesperson Mr Upenyu Silent Chaota said the agreement reflected months of engagement involving traditional leadership, provincial authorities and the families themselves.
“The resolution offers a positive foundation for continued cooperation between the company and the surrounding community. It shows what can be achieved when stakeholders work together in good faith,” he said.
The commission credited the outcome to cooperation from Bikita Minerals management, the affected families, the Bikita District Development Coordinator, the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, relevant Government departments, and Chief Marozva among other stakeholders.
