Zanu-PF led illegal settlements destroy 30 000 timber hectares

Over 30 000 hectares of timber plantations in Chimanimani have been destroyed by thousands of villagers who were illegally settled there by Zanu PF politicians during the election period.

Environment minister and top Zanu PF politician, Saviour Kasukuwere admitted during a recent tour of the timber plantations, illegal settlements have had their toll on the commercially viable produce.

"To date 30 000 hectares of plantations have been lost to illegal settlements," Kasukuwere said while commissioning the Allied Timbers' $1 million Gwindingwe Sawmill Plant.

"The challenge has been coupled with uncontrolled fires which destroy vast tracks of plantations as settlers try to clear land for agricultural purposes."