BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) has threatened to destroy all crops cultivated at undesignated pieces of ground as part of an initiative to discourage streambank cultivation and conserve the environment.
Report by Khanyile Mlotshwa Staff Reporter
The local authority recently distributed public notices advising residents that they risked being fined or having their crops destroyed if found cultivating at undesignated points.
Part of the notice signed by town clerk Middleton Nyoni reads: “Notice is hereby given to members of the public that according to Act 12/73 of Bulawayo (Protection of Lands and Natural Resources) by-laws of 1984, cultivation of undesignated areas is prohibited and discouraged at all costs.
“Streambank cultivation will attract a fine or crops shall be destroyed by council workers and no compensation shall be paid.”
The council said it had already identified 20 locations where residents had planted maize crops at illegal sites.
These include Mahatshula, Mazai, United College, Entumbane, Mpopoma, Nkulumane 10, 11, 12 and 14, Tshabalala Extension, Lobengula, Njube, Pumula East and South, Emganwini, Nketa, Romney Park, Cowdray Park, Emakhandeni, Magwegwe High School and Gwabalanda.
There has been an increase in urban farming in Bulawayo since 1999 following a sharp downturn in food security with several families now resorting to small-scale crop production to supplement food supplies.
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However, this has led to constant clashes between council and residents’ associations, with the latter accusing city fathers of being insensitive to the plight.
