By James, Gwati-The government has given in to pressure from human rights organisations challenging its plans to forcefully evict Chilonga villagers in Chiredzi.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration recently made headlines when it announced that it wanted to move the Chilonga villagers from their land and give it to a single cattle grass grower.

The development attracted attention from human rights organisations and the opposition political groupings forcing Mnangagwa to send his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga to Chilonga for the reversal of the unpopular move.

VP Chiwenga said during the meeting he had with Chilonga community said they were now going to prioritise locals in the irrigation projects that would be established in many other dry areas apart from Chilonga.
“Tatsemura tsemura nzvimbo kuti vanhu vagone kubudirira. Vana vemuno vanotanga kuwana pekurima vamwe wozopindawo. Matunhu ese kusanganisa ne Chilonga inofanirwa kuva ne two hectares dzekurima muWard,” said Chiwenga.