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Kariba Bureau
ABOUT 390 families from Mahombekombe suburb in Kariba, who are living under 330kv Zesa power lines, are set to be relocated.

This will result in the demolition of slums around what was a section for bachelors during the construction of the Kariba Dam in the 1950s.

Kariba Municipality plans to take advantage of the new housing development project financed by the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) in Kasese to house those evicted.

Almost 390 stands out of 1 550 stands under the project have been set aside for the relocation of the families at no cost.

The stands are adjacent to Nyamhunga Township.

There are health and safety concerns over the continued stay of the residents under the high voltage power lines.

With Kariba looking to reposition the tourism industry as one of the low hanging fruits for the town’s accelerated development, the freed up land is expected to help reshape the town.

Initial valuation has put the cost of the land at US$5 per square metre.

Housing director Mr Godfrey Magijani said the area was on the lake shore and would be suitable for luxurious properties overlooking the lake.

Most of the people staying in the area are senior citizens who are retired and relying on menial jobs and fishing for a living.