Mutare, Zimbabwe – A shocking video has gone viral, exposing Mutare municipal workers harvesting or destroying maize fields cultivated by desperate residents along the roadsides. The footage, which has sparked outrage across social media, shows affected residents crying and shouting in frustration as they watch their hard-earned crops being taken down.
In the video, about eight or more municipal employees can be seen mercilessly cutting down the maize fields, seemingly unfazed by the residents’ emotional pleas. Adding to the controversy, a white van clearly marked “City of Mutare” is parked nearby, making it evident that this operation was sanctioned by local authorities.
The residents, many of whom rely on these maize fields for food security, can be heard in the video demanding answers: “Where do you want us to plant?” and “Our maize is already ripe, why destroy it now?” Their voices are filled with pain as years of hard work and patience are trampled under the authority of the city council.
Are Municipal Workers Taking the Maize for Themselves?
While officials claim the destruction is part of a routine enforcement of city by-laws prohibiting roadside farming, angry residents allege foul play. Some believe the municipal workers are not just removing the crops but harvesting them for their own benefit under the guise of enforcing the law. “They are just using their power to steal our maize,” one resident accused, pointing out that some workers appeared to be selectively picking the ripest ears of maize instead of simply clearing the fields.
Public Outrage and Social Media Backlash
The video has ignited a fierce debate on social media, with many users condemning the municipal authorities for what they see as an attack on struggling citizens. “Why destroy maize when people are struggling with hunger?” one commentator wrote, while another fumed, “Instead of helping residents find proper land, they choose to take food away from the poor!”
Others argue that roadside farming, although illegal, is a result of economic hardship, with many residents having no alternative but to utilize any available space for food production. “If the city doesn’t want roadside crops, they should provide alternative land for urban farmers!” another angry user suggested.
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City Council Response and Legal Implications
Attempts to get an official response from the Mutare City Council have so far been met with silence. However, city by-laws do prohibit planting on unauthorized land, and authorities claim that such farming poses risks to road users and city planning. Yet, with Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic struggles and rising food insecurity, many are questioning the morality of enforcing these rules so harshly.
Watch the Viral Video Here
What Happens Next?
As the controversy continues to grow, calls are mounting for the city to find a more humane solution that protects both urban planning and the food security of residents. Will the city listen to its people, or will more maize fields face destruction in the coming weeks? Stay tuned for further updates on Manica Eye.
What Do You Think?
Should the municipal workers have destroyed the maize? Are residents justified in their outrage? Drop your comments below and share this article to spread awareness!
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