YOUNG PEOPLE IN BINGA RESIST RELOCATIONS

In Binga, reports of relocation stirs painful memories among the Tonga people, who are still not happy with their forced move from the Zambezi River banks for the Kariba Dam’s construction decades ago. 

Now, with the Gwayi-Shangani Dam nearing completion, at least 502 families from the Lubimbi area are slated for relocation to Nakanono. The dam project includes a 245-kilometer water pipeline from Gwayi-Shangani to Bulawayo, affecting hundreds of families in the process. 

Witness Munenge, a member of the Lubimbi community, is among the young people resisting the relocation plan. They argue that their relocation should be to a location closer to the dam, which would allow them to capitalize on the economic opportunities that the dam is expected to bring.

“We are pleased with the construction of the dam,” Munenge says, “but we are unhappy with how the government is handling the relocation process.” 

Despite their concerns, the government’s response has been dismissive. A WhatsApp conversation between the youth and a government official, which we viewed, contains messages suggesting that the young people should be grateful for the development. 

The resistance from the youth, while heartfelt, faces a number of obstacles. Historically, the government has often proceeded with large-scale projects without sufficient community consultation, a pattern that continues with the current situation in Lubimbi.