The compensation was handed over by Mbada management in the presence of Manicaland Governor, Chris Mushohwe, at Government Complex.
The compensation came after a protracted struggle between Chiadzwa community members and firms mining diamonds in the area.
The compensation started with business people who were operating at Zengeni shopping centre, which falls under Mbada Diamond mining company.
A total of three butcheries, a grinding mill, two bottle stores and four general dealers were affected.
Those who received compensation are Portia Gwenzi, who received $40 582, Peter Muchena ($69 306) and one Mafute ($66 635). Mbada officials presented them with cheques.
Mbada Diamonds Communication and Public Affairs Manager, George Manyaya, said Government was carrying out the evaluation exercise while their company was just paying out the business people.
Manyaya said they were happy that the beneficiaries agreed to the compensation sums. Newman Chiadzwa is however yet to receive his compensation.
He was a leader among local people who demanded justice on the issue of compensation but was later jailed for 10 years by a Mutare magistrate for possessing diamonds without a license.
He was released after serving two years behind bars. Newman Chiadzwa said his incarceration was politically motivated after he exposed Government top officials of corrupt activities in Marange.
Mushohwe said the affected business people will be allocated stands to continue providing their services to villagers. Displaced villagers benefited three bedroom houses costing $55 000 per unit.
Post published in: News