BULAWAYO - Rampant illegal cultivation of serviced council land in some parts of high and low density suburbs is likely to cost the council thousands of US dollars in resurveying the affected areas.Residents in the residential areas have taken advantage of the rains which fell in the city recently to plant maize on illegal open spaces in the city. Low density suburb residents who normally confine cultivation to their relatively big yards have also joined in the open space invasion mania.
“This year there seems to be serious urban farming. Council-serviced land in Mahahlula and some parts of Nkulumane has been invaded,” said councillor Titus Ndlovu.
He suggested that the best way to solve the problem was to formalize an orderly urban cultivation programme in the city.
“The only practical solution is to provide pieces of land to residents. The pieces of land should be determined and surveyed by council officials. Without this approach there is no way we can curb the problem.”
“You cannot expect me to suffer when there is a piece of land lying idle. I do not have money to buy mealie meal. My survival hinges on this piece of land, said an elderly women planting maize at a prohibited area along the Plumtree Road.
Post published in: Economy