6.4 On site visits were carried out to Rivers, Lazy and Nyandirwe farms. The findings
revealed that the following rights were overlooked during the whole relocation
process:
6.4.1 The Right to Compensation
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights’ General Comment 7 is
applicable in relation to the Arnold Farm residents’ situation. It provides that State
Parties shall ensure, prior to carrying out any evictions and particularly those
involving large groups such as in this case, that all feasible alternatives are
explored in consultation with the affected persons.4 Furthermore State Parties shall
also see to it that all the individuals concerned have a right to timely and adequate
compensation for any property which is affected. None of the residents of Arnold
farm were compensated for the move or for their demolished houses. It was also
noted that some of those relocated did not even have offer letters in respect of the
land they had been assigned which also has a negative impact on the security of
tenure.
6.4.2 The Right to Land
Land is very central to the survival and livelihoods of most families. Prior to their
displacement, the complainants were allocated four and half hectares for farming
and household use at Arnold Farm. It was learnt that at Lazy farm the families have
been allocated twenty (20) by forty (40) square metres for household use and
another 2 hectares for farming. They were not allocated land for pasture of their
livestock. It was also noted that the soil at the farm is suitable for horticulture as it
is fertile and there is peaceful co-existence among the resettled but the farm no
longer has the capacity to accommodate more people.
At Rivers farm, the ZHRC witnessed people’s property that had been dumped on
the farm after the people had been forcefully relocated to the farm. The farm
already had inhabitants who had remained on the farm when the white commercial
farmer was displaced. Through a discussion with one of the residents at Rivers
Farm who is the Chairperson of the Rivers Farm Residents Association, it was
4General
Comment 7 paragraph 13.
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