The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
CONFLICT and tension among stakeholders in the cotton value chain are alleged to have triggered the act of arson in which cotton lint worth over US$2,5 million was reduced to ashes in a fire that broke out at Parrogate Ginnery at Checheche Growth Point in Chipinge early Monday morning, The Manica Post can reveal.
Community leaders, politicians, farmers, company executives and workers contacted by this publication confirmed bad blood among stakeholders in the area.
The fire — which lasted for two days — broke out around 3am on Monday and was detected by a truck driver around 5am.
Fire fighters from Green Fuel and Buffalo Range battled the blaze until Tuesday night.
The inferno destroyed cotton lint worth over US$2,5 million belonging to Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco), while the extent of losses incurred by three other companies — Consolidated Cotton of Zimbabwe, Shawasha Cotton and Southern Cotton — that also use the Parrogate facility for toll ginning had not been fully ascertained at the time of going to print.
However, it is believed to be over half a million US$.
The companies’ executives were either unreachable, said to be in a series of meetings or unwilling to disclose the magnitude of their losses.
Cottco managing director, Mr Pious Manamike, on Wednesday said 1 221 000 kilogrammes of cotton lint which was ready for export and with an estimated value of US$2,5 million was destroyed by the fire.
He confirmed the conflict between farmers and cotton companies over poor prices and payment delays.
Mr Manamike said there was tension among the cotton companies over farmers as well as disgruntlement relating to Cottco’s perceived monopoly.
Prior to the fire incident, aggrieved farmers allegedly besieged the ginnery, and threatened to burn it if their grievances were not addressed.
The farmers are reportedly not happy with last year’s grocery-for-cotton payment method, arguing that they should be paid in hard cash as specified in their contracts.
They left banners written: “Ukasatipamari, tinopisha donje” (Failure to pay will result in us burning the cotton).
“It is true; we saw the banners you made reference to, and asked the police to investigate if they are (the banners) linked to the latest incident.
“Nothing has come through yet, and investigation are in progress. The banners were not directed to Cottco, but other private companies.
“As you are aware, in business you compete, and at times this competition brews tension. Competition and tension have always been there. However, farmers contracted to us are happy; we have no problems with them. We are paying them as we buy,” said Mr Manamike.
Cottco pays $56 per kg for grades C and D; $70 for Grade B, and $85 for Grade A.
It pays in three tranches (first) $34 per kg, (second) $22 per kg and (third) difference for grade A and B.
A well-placed source at Checheche likened the incident to an act of sabotage.
“Since the stand-off between farmers and the cotton companies, there has been simmering tension and resentment in the background. I attended a recent meeting where all cotton companies were represented, and the tension between and among farmers, and companies themselves was palpable. The tiff emanated from non-payment of last year’s cotton. You could sense anger in the room as the discussions went on,” said the source.
Platform for Youth Development director, Mr Claris Madhuku, who was one of the first people to arrive at Perrogate Depot, said cotton farmers were agitated by lack of remunerative prices, and delays in paying them by cotton companies.
“The farmers left banners written: “Ukasatipamari, tinopisha donje” which shows their anger. The fire could have been started by someone who knew the system well, and operated with acute accuracy. The fire was discovered around 5am, and among those who rushed to the scene were cotton farmers who did not show any willingness to extinguish the inferno.
“There was more of celebrating the mishap by locals, which is very disturbing. This shows a lack of conflict resolution mechanisms within the community as the aggrieved try to solve conflict by going for the kill. If this incident was instigated by a frustrated cotton farmer or employee, it really sends a very scary message to businesses. We have conflicts that seriously need to be resolved amicably to discourage the community from resorting to acts of sabotage. Resolving conflicts through arson can never be desirable because it is unsustainable,” said Mr Madhuku.
“Those with skills in conflict resolution are required to investigate this incident, and proffer solutions to avert future reactionary incidents from the community,” he added.
Chipinge South legislator, Cde Enock Porusingazi, said the fire was extinguished on Tuesday night, but the cause was still to be established.
“Fire experts should be hired to conduct investigations. We are eagerly awaiting to know the cause of the tragedy because it is not good for the community. Disputes may arise in any community or organisation with stakeholders or workers disgruntled, but they should not escalate to this level.
“This is a protected area that is manned by security guards around the clock, and it is difficult to breach the security,” said Cde Porusingazi.
However, a farmer from the area, who refused to be named refuted the claims.
“I refuseto buy it that honest, hard-working, law-abiding farmers could do something so barbaric. No way. It wasn’t them. It could be anyone, including their employees, as well as other causes of fire. Cotton is prone to fire, even fires emanating from cigarettes,” said the farmer.
Police had not concluded investigations at the time of going to print and said they were conducting forensic assessment at the depot.
Investigations are in progress.
“No arrest has been made so far and police are investigating the issue.Police and all stakeholders are on the ground conducting forensic assessment of the damage.A number of people including employees are helping police with investigations,” he said.
