Blacks settle on seized farms

HARARE, AUG. 9. Zimbabwe has started to implement its controversial land programme, settling black families on land seized from white commercial farmers, officials said today.

The Government has said it plans to take over nearly half the 12 million hectares owned by about 4,500 white farmers, who make up about one per cent of the country's population.

The officials denied media reports that some beneficiaries had abandoned their new land hours after it was given to them because there were no houses, roads, clinics or water.

Zimbabwe state television yesterday showed Government officials sub-dividing farms and allocating 6-12 hectare plots to villagers and liberation-war veterans in northeastern Zimbabwe, the midlands and southern Matabeleland provinces.

Some women ululated in celebration, but were later shown walking bewildered through thick virgin bush, each carrying a hoe and an axe.

A Ministry of Agriculture spokesman told Reuters today that hundreds of people had been allocated plots across the southern African country. ``We don't have figures right now, but the resettlement programme is taking place throughout. Those reports suggesting that people are abandoning their (new) homes are just malicious,'' said the official, who declined to be named.

``What is happening is that people get their land, go back to pack and the Government moves in to provide the basic facilities where they are not available,'' he said.

- Reuters

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Section  : International
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