Sandawana relocations of 104 families commence as new community developments take shape

MUTAPA Energy Resources (MER) has begun relocation of 104 families affected by the development of Sandawana Mine’s US$313 million lithium plant.

Seven demonstration and relocation homes, under its relocation programme have already been completed with 97 others at an advanced state of construction.

The process also involves graves affected by the project with families expected to also receive heifers as part of an agreement between the company and affected communities. Two cemeteries have already been set up.

Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Service (ARDAS) has been engaged to provide technical guidance to the communities on land identified for irrigation.

ARDAS officers assessed the land on September 24 and 25, with their report expected by October 1.

“Seven demonstration and relocation homes were built while construction of an additional 97 homes is at advanced stage,” said Mutapa Energy Resources (MER) General Manager Andrew Mboma.

“Relocations have started, with two families having already volunteered to be relocated.

“A total of 52 known graves and 15 unknown graves were identified, protocols for exhumation and reburials were established in conjunction with key stakeholders including the Registry Department and the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe.

“Two cemeteries have been established. Reburials after compensation have started and a total of 24 graves have been relocated.”

Work on the 52-kilometre York-Sandawana access road via Mangena Shopping Centre is progressing under MER’s management with

Completion of a new primary school is targeted for end of 2026 while designs for a new medical centre and police station are being developed, with consultations held with the Department of Public Works to speed up the process.

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