adminEthanol Plant.
The taskforce chaired by Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development secretary Mr Ngoni Masoka visited the project yesterday.
In his submission to the Cabinet taskforce at Chisumbanje, Chief Garahwa said lack of unity of purpose has given rise to speculation in the area.
“It is unfortunate that we do not have unity of purpose and this has given rise to unnecessary politicking and the spread of baseless rumours. This project will benefit the nation as a whole and there is every reason for villagers and civic leaders to support it.
“We were shocked to hear that villagers in Chisumbanje woke up without their homes and farming land because of this project. That is false.”
He said the traditional leadership in Chisumbanje were in agreement with management at the plant and are happy with the project that would benefit the community.
Some pressure groups allegedly planted emissaries masquerading as villagers during Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s recent visit to the plant.
The emissaries allegedly complained that they had lost their agricultural land due to the project.
Media reports also indicated that more than 300 000 families had lost their land and grazing pastures to the Arda and Greenfuels joint venture.
In an interview, Chipinge district administrator Mr Nowel Mundeta dismissed the allegations saying the number was far below the alleged number of people affected by the project.
“As local government authorities in this area, we are happy that we are working well with ARDA and its partners.
“We are also excited that the project is nearing completion and we just hope that more people will see the light as it moves towards completion,” he said.
derick.khumalo