CommuTalk Reporter
GOKWE: A 16 year old land dispute between Gokwe Town Council and Bomba community has finally been resolved after the intervention of a local non-governmental organisation, Center for Conflict Management and Transformation (CMMT) which lobbies for conflict resolution.
The land dispute had emanated from development induced displacements after Gokwe gained town status in 2006.
Under the agreement, every affected villager will be presented with one thousand 300 square metres of land in the low density suburb of Kambasha also known as the Red roof around the Bomba area under Chief Njelele’s area.
Chief Njelele welcomed the development and said it marked a new era in his land.
“It’s a new era in my area. What is of interest is that everyone is happy with the deal. We had to travel a very difficult road for us to reach this deal. I am happy that my subjects have finally been rewarded. This is justice at last,” he said.
Centre for Conflict Management and Transformation (CMMT) coordinator, Xavier Mudangwe, which was central in the negotiations highlighted that peace building is central for any development to take place.
“It’s not an easy task to put some warring parties to the table. Today we are enjoying fruits of diplomacy. We witness quarrels in mines and in farms as well. However the answer to all the problems is dialogue. We believe the world can become a better place if people find time to solve their problems in a civilised way. Today we are seeing a celebration between the town council and the community when the warring parties were not in good books in the past,” he said.
The regularisation of Kambasha residential area is part of a vision to expand the town with the suburb being integrated into the Gokwe Town Master Plan.
