The Fast Track Land Reform Program, which facilitated the redistribution of land, did not include a comprehensive compensation framework and the Centre for Resource Governance has come up with alternatives that can reduce the problem.
In a conversation with the WEEKLY, Tracy Mutowekuziva, CNRG Gender and Extractives Officer, brought up the subject of compensation for land displacement in Zimbabwe, which she claimed has run into problems and has its limitations.
Mutowekuziva brought to the fore the limited financial resources, disagreements over valuations, and the prioritization of funding other national development priorities that surround the displacement of people to pave the way for mining ventures.
In valuing compensation, Mutowekuziva said the following needs to be taken into consideration.
Valuation of Property
“Proper valuation of the land, houses, and other assets belonging to the displaced villages is crucial. Independent and transparent assessments should be conducted to determine the market value of the properties. This should include not only the physical structures but also the value of any improvements made by the villagers. This has not been the case in rural Zimbabwe. The mining company decides how much it wants to pay,” said Mutowekuziva adding:
Loss of Livelihood
Displacement disrupts the livelihoods of affected villagers. Compensation should account for the economic impact, including loss of agricultural land, businesses, or income-generating activities. Assessing the long-term economic consequences and providing appropriate compensation or alternative livelihood opportunities is important. In most cases, when people are displaced they loose their arable and will have to start over, cutting trees, establishing new garden , new cattle pens , these need to be taken into account.
Access to Basic Services
Displaced villages often lose access to basic services such as water, sanitation, healthcare, and education. Compensation should consider the cost of restoring or providing alternative access to these services in the new location. This includes infrastructure development and access to social amenities.
Cultural and Social Considerations
Displaced villages often have strong cultural and social connections to their land and community. Compensation should account for the intangible losses associated with these connections. Efforts should be made to preserve or recreate community structures, social networks, and cultural traditions in the new location.
Vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities should have their specific needs into account by providing support for their unique challenges and ensuring their rights and well-being are protected. There is need to establish accessible and transparent grievance mechanisms. Displaced villagers should have avenues to raise concerns, provide feedback, and seek resolution for any disputes or grievances related to the compensation process. These mechanisms ensure accountability and the fair resolution of issues that may arise.
Each situation of displacement is unique, and the specific considerations for compensation will depend on the context and circumstances. There is need for extensive engagement with the displaced communities, understanding their specific needs, and ensuring a fair and participatory process. This will contribute to more effective and just compensation outcomes.