Squatters invade Chipinge dam

18 Mar, 2022 - 00:03 0 Views
Squatters invade Chipinge dam Cllr Mkwapati

The ManicaPost

 

Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent

THE mushrooming of illegal settlers around Chipinge’s main water source, Bangaazan Dam, is threatening the town’s water supply.

A visit by this publication last week witnessed a growing number of families now occupying the area.

The upper catchment area of the dam has suffered from land degradation where massive deforestation and illegal cultivation is taking place.

There are over 100 families illegally settled there. Efforts by the council to evict the squatters always hit a snag as the defiant squatters bounce back.

Residents have appealed to the local authority to immediately evict the squatters to save the dam.

Chipinge Town Community Association (CTCA) chairperson, Mr Lincoln Mwaimbodei expressed concern over the activities of squatters who are causing massive siltation in the dam.

 

“While acknowledging that our council has been working round the clock to ensure that residents get clean water, we are concerned by illegal settlers who are occupying the land around Bangaazan Dam.

“We are appealing to relevant authorities to help the council to ensure that the squatters are evicted with immediate effect. Alternative land should be availed for these squatters. The eviction order which was granted to the council by the courts should be enforced to save the town’s source of water. The squatters’ activities can also expose residents to diseases,” said Mr Mwaimbodei.

The council chairperson, Councillor Lovemore Mkwapati echoed the same sentiments.

“The families were served with eviction orders, but they are resisting. They are arguing that they were allocated the land and will not leave,” said Councillor Mkwapati.

 

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