Under the scheme, President Robert Mugabe sourced farming inputs which include maize seed, fertilizer and groundnut seed for party supporters. The inputs were purchased at a cost of $20 million and it is still a mystery where the head of state obtained the funds.
A group of about 50 families, most of them war veterans, moved onto the land and started parceling out pieces amongst themselves. Gutu Senator, Empire Makamure, said they were surprised by the move.
Makamure said the situation was chaotic as the villagers were not following proper farming procedures.
“We were surprised to see people farming on this land which is designated by the local authourity for sporting facilities”, he said. “We are not sure who gave them the permission to plant crops on this piece of land. I have approached the council over the issue but these people say they have nowhere to plant seeds donated to them by President Robert Mugabe.”
Gutu Rural District Council officials confirmed the development adding that they had no power to evict the invaders.
An official within the council who refused to be named told The Zimbabwean that the invaders asked the council to turn the area into farming land, a request which was turned down because the area is designed for sporting facilities.
“We told them that it is illegal but they went on to give themselves pieces of land,” he said. “As I speak, people are busy planting crops on this land. Our hands are tied. Legally we can evict them but at the moment we cannot do that because of political pressure.”
Post published in: News