By A Correspondent – The Youth Empowerment and Skills Development Association (YESDA), in partnership with Bikita residents’ organisations, has stepped up advocacy efforts to address compensation and land disputes affecting Murape villagers displaced by mining expansion by Bikita Minerals in Masvingo Province.

The intervention follows growing concern over a fast-tracked compensation process, with the company reportedly offering a flat rate of about US$1,500 per household. Villagers and civil society groups argue the amount does not reflect the true extent of losses suffered.

YESDA and community representatives say the proposed compensation ignores key factors such as land size, property value, loss of livelihoods, and broader social impacts.

They are calling for household-specific assessments, fair land replacement, and a transparent, rights-based process aligned with national and international standards.

At the centre of the dispute is a long-running land ownership conflict. Villagers insist the land was legally allocated to them decades ago through traditional leadership and has been occupied for generations.

However, Bikita Minerals now claims the land falls within its operational area, a move that has triggered uncertainty and anger within the community.

In response, YESDA has facilitated engagements with local stakeholders, emphasizing the need to protect community land rights and ensure due process in cases of displacement.

The organisation’s efforts build on previous initiatives in Bikita, including collaboration with the Bikita Institute of Land and Development (BILD). In Ward 11, a recent multi-stakeholder meeting brought together villagers, authorities, and mining representatives to address challenges such as water shortages linked to slime dam construction.

The meeting led to the formation of a local mediation committee aimed at promoting dialogue between the community, Bikita Minerals, and government officials, with the goal of finding fair, sustainable solutions.
YESDA says it will continue advocating for affected communities, focusing on fair compensation, accountability, and the protection of human rights in mining-affected areas.