6.6.4. He highlighted that there has been a cycle of people who were relocated from the farm who kept coming back to resettle on the farm. This necessitated a research which revealed that people were attracted to the area by the rich gold deposits and fishing activities. He raised concern over the environmental degradation due to the uncontrolled mining activities. 6.6.5. In 2012 there were approximately 600 families on the farm but the number had doubled to 1 200 in 2014 despite the relocations. In his capacity as the Member of Parliament for the area Advocate Fortune Chasi offered his farm Lazy 7 for resettlement and some of the people were relocated there in 2012. 6.6.6 SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS Whilst the government initiative to find alternative land and resettle affected families is commendable, the ZHRC notes with concern the lack of proper planning and coordination by the responsible government agencies. In particular, the families were moved without the expected valuation of their homes and the subsequent payment of compensation for the establishment of new homes. Further, some of the families were allocated pieces of land that are far inadequate for rural livelihoods and also against government policy on land sizes. Worse still, others were “dumped” on land that was already occupied by another community, with no space for additional families. A large majority of these famers were not issued with any official documents (like offer letters) leaving them at risk of being classified as illegal settlers. Lack of security of tenure is the very reason why these families are currently suffering and vulnerable to human rights violations, and their fears of future evictions (from the new areas) are therefore valid. As a result of these issues some of those who had been resettled returned back to occupy the farm or resisted relocation altogether. Other concerns of the affected families that require government attention include accessibility to a reliable road network and other social amenities like schools, clinics and service facilities. To ensure sustainable livelihoods, there is need for the government to further invest in resourcing and training the farmers on farming models suitable for their new environment. Page 16 of 22