Bulawayo suspend maize slashing

Bulawayo City Council has resolved despite sharp protests from other councilors not to slash maize grown in open spaces in residential areas as most of it is ready for harvesting.

Council suspended the controversial traditional practice of slashing up to June.

Several councilors wanted the local authority to immediately move in a slash the maize saying it was causing a security risk.

Councillors  Naphat  Sibanda  and Shiela Musonda begged council to slash the maize.

"Councillor S. Musonda concurred as overgrown maize in certain areas compromised the security of the residents. Mugging and rape cases had been reported.

"A sports field in Thorngrove had been cultivated and had maize planted negatively affecting recreation and sports development in that area" reads part of couciol report made availabe this Wednesday.

Councillors Charles Moyo  had said  that the recent rains had encouraged a lot of residents to grow crops in most of the open spaces.

 Previously Council slashed maize planted in such areas in terms of by-laws on illegal stream cultivation.
 
"He suggested that the by-law be suspended to allow the residents to harvest for this year only on crops which were already at tussling stage" the report said.

He was supported by Ephram  Ncube, James Sithole and Silas Khumalo.

However, council finally resolved with "councillors L. Siziba, T. Ncube, S. Chigora dissenting that the recommendation of the Environmental Management and Engineering Services Committee be not adopted, and instead Council suspends the slashing/cutting of maize till June 2018".