Maravi

(ZIMPAPERS) White farmer returns under controversial circumstances

White farmer returns under controversial circumstances
Sunday, 12 June 2011 10:38 Agriculture
By Tafadzwa Chiremba

MORE than 40 resettled farmers have been displaced from a ranch in Mwenezi after its former owner moved back to the 7 400-hectare piece of land under controversial circumstances.

Mr David Drummond, who had his farm acquired under the land reform programme 10 years ago, recently resurfaced at Tygerburg Conservancy armed with a letter from the Mwenezi District Administrator, Mr Stanley Chamisa, that paved the way for his return.

Mr Drummond is said to have told the resettled farmers that the conservancy had never been designated for resettlement after which he produced the letter from Mr Chamisa.
He then forced the resettled farmers to vacate the land.

The new farmers have temporarily settled at a nearby piece of land measuring 1 600 hectares.

One of the affected farmers said: “We were shocked to find Drummond coming back despite his absence from the farm for more than 10 years.

“He produced a letter authorising him to return to the land which he said was from the District Administrator.”

Another farmer accused Mr Drummond of monopolising Chivasikana Dam, which was being used by other villagers for the past 10 years.

“We now have to travel several kilometres to fetch water since we no longer have access to the dam,” said the farmer who declined to be identified.

Mr Chamisa declined to comment on the letter saying the matter was now being handled by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. He said Mr Drummond had since partnered with other locals in a wildlife venture.

“There are about 12 new players that will be moving in to partner with Mr Drummond. The type of arrangement is, however, not under our purview. It is being handled by the Parks Authority,” said Mr Chamisa.

He said the farmers who were complaining were being used by another farmer only identified as Collet, who allegedly did not want to fence his conservancy.

“As we speak now Collet has not yet partnered with locals and he did not want to fence his farm so that they share some black rhinos with Mr Drummond. An official in the office of the Provincial Governor and Resident Minister said they would check the facts on the ground. Mr Drummond could not be reached for comment as he was said to be away from the conservancy. His mobile phone was not available.

Labels: LAND REFORM, LAND RIGHTS, WHITE FARMERS

posted by MrK @ 4:06 PM