Elliot Jinjika
09 April 2017, CHIVHU – Six Chivhu residents have threatened to sue Chikomba Rural District Council (RDC) after their land was allegedly appropriated for the purposes of expanding the town.
The residents said they have title deeds for the Ferreraton Commonage land that has been theirs since 1983.
The residents have since approached the Chivhu Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (CHRRA) to help them explore legal avenues against the RDC.
“We were shocked to notice that our land had been confiscated and given to other people without our knowledge, let alone our consent. That is our land but we were never consulted,” said Tucky Francis one of the residents.
Another resident said they wrote to council on the issue but the RDC made it clear it was unhappy that the land was given to A1 farmers, a process which it claims jeopardises its own land development plan.
“Be further advised that as council, we are equally frustrated by the settling of A1 farmers in the farm. This defeats the intentions of the LDP which was approved in June 2016,” reads part of council’s letter of reply to the aggrieved parties.
Chikomba RDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Luckson Mutara referred the matter to the acting CEO who in turn referred the matter to the acting District Administrator (DA) Birriat Tasarira who confirmed the fracas but refused to comment further.
“We are aware of the matter but I cannot give full details because I am out of office and will be available on Thursday,” said Tasarira.
CHRRA chairperson Collen Zvarevashe said his organisation will see to it that council backs off private land.
“We condemn this gross infringement on people’s property rights. We are looking for the best legal support to make sure that what belongs to the people is restored to them,” said Zvarevashe.local
