Calvin Manika
KASIBO villages in the countryside of Hwange have been overwhelmed by a shocking urban to rural migration. With the demise of manufacturing industries countrywide due to economic recession in the past two decades, Hwange is among few places left with a somewhat viable industry because of its coal rich concessions.
This has resulted in people from different provinces flocking to the mining town.
A survey done by this publication, indicated that many people who had come to seek employment in Hwange are now opting to permanently settle in Kasibo. There is a large influx of pensioners and other active workers settling in the area.
This publication further established that most of the people come from outside Matabeleland North. The migration has prompted an increase in the Kasibo population. Gante, Kalisonde and Mugambo villages have more than 100 families which are in contrast to the standard of having at least 40-50 families per village.
Speaking to The Zambezi Times, Henry Mutekesa said the villages in Kasibo were good areas.
“This area has fertile soils as compared with other areas in Hwange, not only in Hwange but better than my village in Maramba in Mashonaland East. So this is a good place to start a new life after retirement.”
Farmers in Kasibo area especially plot holders are producing a range of agricultural products from maize, cucumbers and vegetables which are being supplied to the Hwange urban markets including supermarkets.
First groups to settle in Kasibo had no problem with the villagers and other concerned parties but when numbers started to increase as a result of corruption between headmen and land seekers the situation has turned sour.
This has resulted in people from different provinces flocking to the mining town.
A survey done by this publication, indicated that many people who had come to seek employment in Hwange are now opting to permanently settle in Kasibo. There is a large influx of pensioners and other active workers settling in the area.
This publication further established that most of the people come from outside Matabeleland North. The migration has prompted an increase in the Kasibo population. Gante, Kalisonde and Mugambo villages have more than 100 families which are in contrast to the standard of having at least 40-50 families per village.
Speaking to The Zambezi Times, Henry Mutekesa said the villages in Kasibo were good areas.
“This area has fertile soils as compared with other areas in Hwange, not only in Hwange but better than my village in Maramba in Mashonaland East. So this is a good place to start a new life after retirement.”
Farmers in Kasibo area especially plot holders are producing a range of agricultural products from maize, cucumbers and vegetables which are being supplied to the Hwange urban markets including supermarkets.
First groups to settle in Kasibo had no problem with the villagers and other concerned parties but when numbers started to increase as a result of corruption between headmen and land seekers the situation has turned sour.
Meanwhile, this publication understands that Chief Hwange has since stopped the headmen from accepting new arrivals after noticing the influx of people in his area.
