Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga on Wednesday told Chiredzi villagers that changes on their current settlement would be made after the COVID-19 crisis in a clear sign that government was determined to displace over 2 500 families for a grass farming project.

In his 10-minute address at Chilonga Irrigation Scheme in Chiredzi, Chiwenga also warned chiefs and headmen to work with new investors in a speech full of ambiguity that left the traditional leaders more confused.

You need to work with the new investors, government officials, your Provincial Affairs minister (Ezra Chadzamira), Finance minister (Mthuli Ncube) and agriculture minister.”

However, Innocent Ndibali, the president of Economic Freedom Fighters Zimbabwe (EFF Zim), who is championing the fight against displacement of the Chiredzi families, said there should be robust consultation with the community and a mutual agreement should be reached.

Chiwenga was accompanied by ministers Perrance Shiri (Agriculture), Fortune Chasi (Energy), Chadzamira, July Moyo (Local Government), John Mangwiro (Health deputy) and Clemence Chiduwa (Finance deputy).