MASVINGO-OVER 600 families under Chief Charumbira in Masvingo are set to be relocated to pave way for a Chinese Investor’s cement processing plant.
The displacement follows the discovery of rich limestone deposits in the area and about 16 villages will be affected.
Initially, 200 villagers are expected to be employed at the plant, among other benefits to the locals.
Masvingo Rural District Council Chief executive officer Martin Mubviro said they had since signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a company that wanted to invest in the venture, Xhing Xhong Cement Company.
“I can confirm that we’ve agreed with an investor who wants to establish a cement plant in Chief Charumbira’s area. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the investor and it is now left to them to start the project. Close to 600 families may be affected although the exact number of those to be moved will be ascertained after feasibility studies are complete. The land where they should be resettled is yet to be identified,” said Mubviro.
He said major infrastructural improvements around Masvingo would be realised once operations begin.
“While it may be true that some villagers will feel aggrieved to be moved from their original homes, there is a bigger picture of employment as many unemployed youths are going to get jobs,” he added.
“The plant will also add value to the province’s economy through infrastructural development. People in this province will also get their cement for building nearer, so too businesspeople who deal in building materials. Thus it’ll have an effect on prices of cement.”
The establishment of the cement plant in Masvingo means that the Government will have to look for more land for resettlement as Tokwe-Mukosi victims presently settled at Chingwizi in Mwenezi are scheduled to be moved again to about seven identified farms in Chiredzi and Mwenezi.
