Political Correspondent
In a brazen display of defiance, Zanu PF-affiliated land barons are illegally parcelling out land belonging to private developer Pfugari Holdings in Zvimba, Mashonaland West province.
This action contravenes the government’s and Zanu PF’s position on land barons, who have been occupying school grounds, wetlands, and causing environmental damage.
Vendors in the area revealed that they pay weekly, daily, or monthly fees to Zanu PF members responsible for allocating the land. Pfugari Holdings has attempted to fence the property, but Zanu PF officials have resisted, resulting in physical confrontations that left two workers hospitalized.
The land barons claim they have applied to the Ministry of Transport to use the land as buffer zones, but Pfugari Holdings denies this. In fact, the company has taken the issue to court, where Zanu PF representatives failed to appear.
A letter from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Engineer Theodius Chinyanga, dated October 13, 2022, states that any damage to Pfugari Holdings’ property would be subject to repair and that the ministry did not give consent or approval to the Zanu PF youths’ applications.
Despite this, the land barons have sold part of the land to a Chinese company, China Quarry Minerals, leading to health hazards and pollution in the community. Residents are complaining about the environmental damage, and the situation remains unresolved.
This incident highlights the ongoing struggle against land barons in Zimbabwe, who continue to disregard the law and government directives, fueled by their political connections.
Zim GBC News©2024