By Christopher Makaza

In an effort to ensure total stability on the farms and state land, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Mary Mliswa – Chikoka has urged illegal settlers around the province to go back to where they came from.

Addressing District Heads of Government Departments in Murombedzi today, Minister Mliswa-Chikoka highlighted that a committee was set up to make sure that illegal settlers vacate from places they have settled themselves including grazing areas of some legally settled farmers.

“Government is not going back on illegal settlers, it is government policy to remove all illegal settlers around the country in order to bring normalcy in the farms. Our natural resources are being over used and destroyed by these illegal settlers and they should follow proper procedures if they need land.

“I want to warn politicians and traditional leaders who fleece unsuspecting land seekers of their hard earned cash, promising them to facilitate their offer letters. It is only legal authorities who have the right to administer land matters and Government will not hesitate to arrest such corrupt elements,” she said.

Minister Mliswa urged farmers to cooperate and assist the committee on illegal settlers with necessary information which will assist them to locate the illegal settlers.

Minister Mliswa also urged government workers to have a positive attitude towards work adding that Government would not hesitate to fire workers who are not committed.

 “I am sure we can all confirm that there is a lot that needs to be done in our respective districts and the province at large as our beloved country is moving forward into the Zimbabwe that we all want, this is the time to put our foot onto the pedal and make sacrifices for tomorrow’s generation,” she said.