Hwange(New Ziana) – Hwange Colliery Company Limited has ordered families occupying its decommissioned houses in Magalpye area to vacate by end of April to pave way for their demolition.

In a statement, the company said the houses were being demolished on health and security grounds.

It said the occupants are not only living in the houses unlawfully, but were also engaged in illegal mining of coal at its dumpsites.

Only recently, a woman died when a coal dumpsite she and a friend were illegally mining collapsed and trapped them. The friend freed herself and survived.

“Members of the community who have illegally occupied these houses are advised to vacate houses by the 30th of April 2020, the date after which the demolition of these strictures will commence,” the company said.

Some of the occupants of the houses are former workers whom the company still owed gratuities and other benefits.

New Ziana