SYDNEY SAIZE IN MUTARE
Allied Timbers’ Gwindingwi Estate in Chimanimani has lost about 1 500 hectares of the plantation as a result of unlawful activities carried out by illegal settlers, a move which is threatening its viability, Business Times can report.
“We have at least 100 families at the estate and they have destroyed an area covering 1 500 hectares. ’These people illegally settled themselves in the area, some are into gold panning while others are logging our timber,” said estate manager Ian Hondo.
“It is a desperate situation which needs urgent attention from the government authorities.”
He said some of the illegal settlers set fires as they hunt wild animals and clear land for cultivation.
Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Mangaliso Ndlovu referred questions to the Allied Timbers acting chief executive officer Trymore Chivinge.
Chivinge said they are planning to hold meetings with traditional leaders in the areas to reach common ground.
“We are working towards getting to an understanding with the people staying on the estate. We do not want to be confrontational, otherwise it is an issue that we are taking care of,” he said.
Centre for Natural Resources and Governance founder Farai Maguwu said the government should be proactive and take definitive stance on the illegal settlers and not remain calm in this instance
“We are aware the people settled there are their own. They are Zanu PF and they do not want to lose those votes, they will allow them to stay despite the damage they are causing at the estate,” Maguwu said.
Timber estimated to run into millions of dollars has been illegally logged by the settlers while land has also been destroyed through gold panning in the area.
