ZPP bemoans situation of Tokwe Mukosi victims

The Zimbabwe Peace Project has bemoaned the situation surrounding the people who were affected by the Tokwe Mukosi floods in 2014 amid revelations crisis continues to mount.

The organization said the woes of the victims of the Tokwe Mukorsi floods, which hit beginning of 2014 seem to mount at every turn.

"The victims claim they have known no peace since they set trail to the Chingwizi transit camp," reads the statement.

"They were moved from the transit camp to one hectare plots on Nuanetsi Ranch but they are not happy with the move as they feel that they have been shortchanged since they had been promised compensation and to be resettled on four hectare plots. Compensation has been availed to some of the families."

Zimbabwe Peace Project said it notes with regret that victims are disconcerted that their plight might become a breeding ground for Zanu PF factional fights.

"Besides being uncertain about their future the victims are complaining that they are in the middle of a simmering conflict between current Masvingo Minister of State Shuvai Mahofa and former Minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti," reads the statement.

"In January 2015 Minister Mahofa led a Zanu PF delegation to Nuanetsi Ranch where she announced that the families would soon be moved to new areas where they would get adequate land for crops, grazing and for building. Minister Mahofa confirmed to ZPP that her team is working flat out to ensure that the over 1700 families are moved to the following identified areas; Lundi section, Mutirikwi section, Magodo, Mbavarira, Masangula and Main Shore. "We did not want to move people before we had ensured that there is water and the roads rehabilitated. My team is finalizing the paper work to facilitate the move,' said Minister Mahofa."

ZPP said on the other hand however the families who were moved into the Nuanetsi Ranch from the Chingwizi transit camp between June and October 2014 are in limbo.

"They are no longer sure if this move will materialize since they allege that former Minister Bhasikiti has set up a committee that is moving around the settlement compelling people to sign a petition to resist the planned move," reads the statement.

"The actions by former Minister of State Bhasikiti who is still Member of Parliament for Mwenezi East have heightened tensions revealed by the fact that violence almost erupted at a meeting convened by the noted committee."

It said this unnecessary politicization of the suffering of the resettled families has intensified tension and is likely to lead to violence if not contained.

"When the families were still in the Chingwizi transit camp violence broke out as the families resisted the move to Nuanetsi. A large number of people were arrested and were arraigned before the courts for trial. Twenty-five were acquitted while another 4 were convicted and sentenced to five years in prison," said ZPP.

"The situation of resettled families at Nuanetsi ranch, which is a source of continuing instability and tension is dire. The ranch has poor soils as the area is suitable for mostly animal ranching. ZPP is conscious of the suffering and specific vulnerabilities of the resettled families who face starvation among other social and economic rights violations including education, water, shelter and health. In addition, the farmers have no security of tenure at the Nuanetsi ranch and therefore find it difficult to improve their living conditions."

ZPP therefore called upon the government to assume its responsibility and commitment as primary duty bearer to respect protect and fulfill the rights, the resettled families at Nuanetsi Ranch are entitled to. Zimbabwe was one the first countries in Africa to sign the Convention on Protection and Assistance for Internally Displaced Persons (the "Kampala Convention") in October 2009.

"The Kampala Convention reinforces the states' primary responsibility to protect Internally Displaced Persons and create the conditions required to achieve lasting solutions for them. The government is urged to move with speed and provide working solutions to the situation of the resettled families by establishing an appropriate legal or administrative framework for their protection and assistance," reads the statement.