The Sunday News
Sukoluhle Ndlovu, Midlands Correspondent
THE Government will not hesitate to evict people who have settled themselves on State land illegally, an official has said.
Speaking during a meeting with Runde Rural District Council in Zvishavane last week, the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs, Cde Larry Mavima, said those who were aiding people to settle randomly on State land will be arrested.
“There are people who have been settling themselves on State land and that is illegal. Such people must be identified and prosecuted as this kind of practice is causing disorder and it’s also slowing development.
“People should always follow what the law says and not just do things willingly without being given a go ahead by local authorities,” he said.
The Runde RDC complained of illegal settlers in the district who were stalling development. Meanwhile, Minister Mavima said local authorities should engage communities in formulating developmental projects.
“We encourage local authorities to engage communities in coming up with ideas and implementing them because the community members know best about areas that need development and attention.
“We need development in terms of clinics as there are a very few clinics in this area. More schools also need to be constructed as children are walking close to 15 kilometres to the nearest schools thereby putting their lives in danger,” he said.
Minister Mavima also urged rural district councils to construct reservoir tanks to improve access to clean water by villagers.
“Access to clean water is also one of the biggest challenges faced by villagers in this area. We therefore urge local authorities to build reservoirs so that villagers have adequate water.”
Recently more than 200 families who were last year evicted from Chemagora Forest along the Kwekwe-Gokwe highway were given a green light to return back to their homesteads. That followed a Government reprieve allowing them to go about their business until alternative homes are identified.
The families were early last year evicted by the Government after they invaded the place six years ago and settled themselves illegally. The families had been living along the Kwekwe-Gokwe highway where they had built shacks waiting for the Government to allocate them alternative land.
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