Mutare City Council plans to stop people from growing crops in the wrong places. Mayor Simon Chabuka made this clear. They believe this step helps protect the environment and prevents flooding around town. Last week, city workers cut down fully grown corn in Sakubva's OTS Section. Many people criticized this action when videos spread online, saying the city acted harshly toward local farmers.
At this week's meeting at the Civic Center, Mayor Chabuka explained the tough spot they face. They must balance protecting city land against letting hungry families grow extra food. He paid money to some farmers who lost crops but made clear he did this as an individual, not as part of his job as mayor. During the council meeting, Chabuka admitted the videos looked bad for the city.
He pointed out a strange situation—the same residents who complain about cut crops often ask for help when robbers hide in tall corn plants. Drivers can't see clearly when plants grow next to roads, causing crashes. The mayor asked council members to teach residents how to farm legally in city areas. He stressed that recent flooding happened because people planted in places never meant for growing food.
Chabuka visited affected areas not as a city official but as himself. He talked with farmers who lost food and helped those missing "a bucket or two of corn meal" by buying replacements with his money. But he firmly stated the city will keep cutting down illegal crops. Climate change makes these actions necessary to protect both people and buildings from danger.
Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka added they face problems with big future impacts. Dangamvura residents went twenty years without tap water. After fixing this issue, people started planting right along the water pipeline. He asked what the city should do about this problem. Chafesuka mentioned people don't discuss these matters honestly. When workers cut young corn plants, farmers just plant again in the same spots.
At this week's meeting at the Civic Center, Mayor Chabuka explained the tough spot they face. They must balance protecting city land against letting hungry families grow extra food. He paid money to some farmers who lost crops but made clear he did this as an individual, not as part of his job as mayor. During the council meeting, Chabuka admitted the videos looked bad for the city.
He pointed out a strange situation—the same residents who complain about cut crops often ask for help when robbers hide in tall corn plants. Drivers can't see clearly when plants grow next to roads, causing crashes. The mayor asked council members to teach residents how to farm legally in city areas. He stressed that recent flooding happened because people planted in places never meant for growing food.
Chabuka visited affected areas not as a city official but as himself. He talked with farmers who lost food and helped those missing "a bucket or two of corn meal" by buying replacements with his money. But he firmly stated the city will keep cutting down illegal crops. Climate change makes these actions necessary to protect both people and buildings from danger.
Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka added they face problems with big future impacts. Dangamvura residents went twenty years without tap water. After fixing this issue, people started planting right along the water pipeline. He asked what the city should do about this problem. Chafesuka mentioned people don't discuss these matters honestly. When workers cut young corn plants, farmers just plant again in the same spots.
