Three thousand people need to be relocated before the construction of the giant Tokwe Murkosi dam can commence. Masvingo South legislator, Walter Mzembi, said the affected families would be resettled close to the dam in order to use the water for irrigation.
The families have also asked for compensation before being moved and said the government had to ensure that schools, clinics and roads were constructed in the areas they would be resettled.
A spokesman for the villagers said they would resist relocation until their demands were met.
“We will not move unless we are paid compensation in full. The government must construct schools and clinics before moving us into a new area,” said one villager. “We also demand that the remains of our ancestors be exhumed and given a decent burial else where. We cannot just leave our ancestors in the dam.”
Masvingo Provincial Governor and Resident Minister Titus Maluleke said there was no going back on the proposed evictions.
“We are not going to listen to some of the complaints being made by the affected families because the dam has to be completed. We have started relocating some but the only obstacle is shortage of land,” he said. The Tokwe Murkosi dam project is expected to be complete next year and the ministry of Water Resources and Infrastructural Development says it has secured enough funding for the completion of the project.
Post published in: News