Families that stay close to lake Gwayi-Shangani are willing to move to a new nearby land so as to benefit from Gwayi rains, soils and proximity to the main road.
This was said by local government and public works Minister July Moyo at the burial of chief Kavula of Gwayi, saying all families who will be affected by floods will be settled in one area to preserve their culture and heritage.
Minister Moyo added that investigations were made by the government concerning the number of families that could be affected by floods during the upcoming rainy season and initial reports suggest that about 350 homesteads will be moved.
The Gwayi committee came up with a position paper imploring the government to quickly identify the land where villagers will be relocated.
Villagers are expected to be moved to Nakanono and Kabondo areas around Gwayi.
Meanwhile, mr Edmond a local businessman who chairs the committee, in the position paper said the project will see the relocation of a number of families also including clinics.
“The project will see the relocation of 502 families or households including clinic, Lubumbi 2 primary school and secondary school.
“A dip tank, 60 boreholes, roads, the Shangani River bridge and other amenities will be destroyed while arable grazing lands will be lost as 2 422 people will need relocation, Cultural and heritage sites such as baobab tree and hot springs where we perform rituals will be destroyed,” said Mr Sibanda.
The committee’s vice secretary Mr Tongai Ncube said they want to work with the government and alternative land should be identified in time for planning purposes.
“We have heard that people should move but we do not know to where yet we are approaching the rainy season, we wish this be prioritized .
“We are willing to move but it is our hope that the new land should be nearby so we still benefit from Gwayi rains, soils and proximity to the main road,” he said.
Gwayi-Shangani Dam is a dam in Zimbabwe and has an elevation of 887 metres. Gwayi-Shangani Dam is close to Shanyani River.
