WASHINGTON —
Tensions are rising in Chisumbanje where some small-scale farmers in Magokova and Jerawachera villages are alleging that the controversial Green Fuel company is mowing down their crops which are ready for harvest as their dispute over land continues.
Villagers were surprised Tuesday to see alleged Greenfuel tractors moving in to destroy crops they planted on the disputed land.
Communication seems to have broken down between the villagers and the company following the end of the unity government last year.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara once headed a cabinet task force which sought to settle the matter which now appears to be blowing up.
Wilson Chibeza, one of the affected farmers, said he woke up two days ago to find his maize crop, which was ready for harvesting, ploughed down without any explanation or prior warning.
Efforts to get comment from Green Fuel company were unsuccessful. But one of the company’s representatives, Andrew King, asked Voice Of America's Studio 7 to send written questions via e-mail.
He, however, said the allegations leveled by the villagers against his company are untrue.
Villagers were surprised Tuesday to see alleged Greenfuel tractors moving in to destroy crops they planted on the disputed land.
Communication seems to have broken down between the villagers and the company following the end of the unity government last year.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara once headed a cabinet task force which sought to settle the matter which now appears to be blowing up.
Wilson Chibeza, one of the affected farmers, said he woke up two days ago to find his maize crop, which was ready for harvesting, ploughed down without any explanation or prior warning.
Efforts to get comment from Green Fuel company were unsuccessful. But one of the company’s representatives, Andrew King, asked Voice Of America's Studio 7 to send written questions via e-mail.
He, however, said the allegations leveled by the villagers against his company are untrue.
