TATENDA SITHOLE
BINGA villagers in Lubimbi who are facing eviction for the construction of Gwayi-Shangani dam have identified Nakanono as their new relocation land.
Community members recently were advised that compensation for displacement would be paid in United States dollars.
Dam Committee Chairperson Edmond Sibanda said the assessment from the government had been completed as well as the agreement on the relocation land.
“Communities have agreed on Nakonono, former Kana Block farms. The land is between Shangani River Victoria Falls/Bulawayo roads,” said Sibanda.
“However we are still waiting for the response from the government as they are still quiet about the issue.”
Sibanda said Nakonono would accommodate all the villagers.
“That is the land we have as the community so that it was big enough to accommodate the affected population to support meaningful livelihoods.”
Lubimbi ward Councillor Chrispen Munkuli said they are still debating on the issue.
“We are still debating on the issue because the council has not yet visited the place. The local authority has to come and assess the place,” said Munkuli.
“We were advised that the statistics team also from the government will visit the place and give a way forward on the valuation exercise.”
Government recently carried out an assessment on the value of property likely to be affected by the expansion of Gwayi-Shangani Dam in Lubimbi, Binga, with a view to compensate the victims.
Gwayi-Shangani Dam construction has been mired in controversy as the project is set to displace around 2 000 Lubimbi villagers in Binga to pave way for its construction. The victims were not consulted.
The Gwayi-Shangani project, which is part of the Zambezi Water Project, is scheduled to be completed in December 2022.
