CHIADZWA - Chiadzwa villagers The mining company last week sent a bulldozer to destroy the villagers homes, but it was unsuccessful after locals refused to vacate their property. Mutare West Member of Parliament Shuar Mudiwa (MDC-T) and Mbada management staff prevented further clashes as the villagers refused to relocate to Arda Transau Farm in Odzi. The government owns the farm and the villagers refused to go there after describing it as dilapidated and complaining that there were no decent houses, schools, clinics or other adequate community facilities.
Philda Tarindwa a village head in Zengeni area of Chiadzwa said: We boldly declare that our forced relocation from our ancestral land is a catalyst for war. Our ancestors have given us these diamonds so that we can improve our living standards after decades of poverty. The villagers and the traditional leaders also blamed headman Patrick Chiadzwa and labelled him a sell-out for accepting bribes reneging on an agreement with fellow villagers to resist relocation. He is a Zanu (PF) sympathizer. If he was given money it is his own problem, said Stanley Mwashita, a community elder.
The government and the new investors refused to fully compensate the villagers. They only set aside US$10 million dollars for the relocation of the Chiadzwa families. The deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development Murisi Zwizwai said: I can confirm that US$10 million for the relocation of the Chiadzwa families will be used for the construction of the houses for the villagers among other infrastructural developments. The relocation might take place after they have harvested their crops. The relocation is designed to enhance security around Chiadzwa diamond fields.
Post published in: Economy