50 families face eviction

ABOUT 50 families living near Bikita's Nyika Growth point will soon be homeless amid reports that the local authority is seizing land for the purposes of expansion.

Villagers said they have been served with notices of eviction by Bikita Rural District Council citing the need to expand the growth point. A representative, Mr Nevison Matambura said they were planning to approach the courts over the issue given that Bikita RDC has not offered them any compensation plan.

"We have been given notices indicating that we will be evicted soon by Bikita Rural District Council. The local authority is planning to seize some portions of land under Musavengana Village for the expansion of the growth point. About 50 families currently occupying the targeted piece of land will be homeless," said Mr Matambura.

Headman Mpakwa confirmed the new developments but denied that he was against villagers, saying he was liaising with council so that each family is given alternative piece of land.

"I can confirm that council is planning to repossess some of its land occupied by villagers but I deny that I am supporting the local authority ahead of villagers. They are my subjects who need my protection and I have engaged council over the issue," said Headman Mpakwa.
Bikita Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr Peter Chibi could not be reached for comment at the time of going to press.