Citrus farms lie idle as land grabbers give up
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk
Citrus farms that used to generate foreign currency for the country as well
as providing oranges for local beverage companies are lying idle.
14.10.1112:24pm
by Leona Mwayera
A survey conducted by this newspaper indicates that Zanu (PF) politicians
who grabbed the most productive citrus farms in Chegutu from their
commercial owners have deserted them after disposing of valuable equipment
to other local farmers. Lionsvalle citrus farm (Big Orange), owned by Thomas
Beattie before it was invaded by former deputy minister of Information and
Publicity Bright Matonga is in a sorry state with orange trees dying from
lack of attention. Most of the equipment grabbed by Matonga from Beattie is
grounded, while some tractors are just heaped in a rusting workshop.
“Matonga has failed dismally – he is now producing lemons instead of
oranges. The oranges he is producing are not even fit for human consumption,
never mind for export because they are sour. The equipment he took over from
our former boss is now a heap of scrap metal as you can see. A number of
skilled workers with knowledge in citrus farming left due to non payment of
wages and poor working conditions,” said Biggie Zulu, a former worker at
Lionsvalle farm.
Former workers now languishing in poverty said it was a shame that such a
productive farm, which used to supply fresh oranges to European and regional
markets earning foreign currency had collapsed. Workers at the farm told
this paper that Matonga rarely spend time on the farm and has lost interest
in the citrus business.
Recently, a magistrate at Chegutu civil court ruled in favour of Beattie,
ordering Matonga to return farm equipment he seized from the commercial
farmer. The equipment includes ploughs, harrows and tractor grader. Matonga
failed to attend court sessions for three consecutive times, forcing the
courts to pass a verdict in his absence. The story is the same at Stockdale
Estates, formerly owned by the Etheredge Family before it was grabbed by
Senate President Edna Madzongwe`s son.
Sources said the Madzongwe abandoned the farm after selling the Equipment.
He is said to have moved over 30 cattle to an unknown destination.
“The young man just destroyed the farm and rendered more people jobless. The
inclusive government should conduct an audit to flush out such culprits
because they are frustrating efforts by Finance minister Tendai Biti to turn
around the shattered economy,” said a farm worker who declined to be named
for fear of victimisation.
Hippovalle farm, which was grabbed by Zimpapers journalist Emilia Zindi, is
also being underutilised. She and her two sons are accused of vandalising
and selling farm equipment.