Allotment gardens policy set to alleviate poverty in Hwange
Staff Reporter
HWANGE – Hwange Local Board (HLB) councillors have hailed the crafting of an allotment gardens policy as a major milestone towards alleviating poverty among vulnerable members of society.
Councillor Tendai Sibanda of Ward 5 said the creation of community gardens would play a pivotal role in improving livelihoods at most poverty-stricken households.
“This policy will go a long way towards improving household food security as well as enabling beneficiaries of the project to generate income through selling produce realised from the gardens,” said Clr Sibanda.
According to the draft policy, HLB supports and encourages existing allotment gardens to become self-managed to a high standard. The draft policy provides a framework of managing future community garden initiatives as part of a larger agricultural enterprise network within the local authority. It also outlines basis for allotment gardeners to grow fresh organic produce to supplement their groceries and to develop friendships, socialise with neighbours and to connect with residents in their local community.
Clr Sibanda is one of the pioneers of community gardens in Hwange urban. The policy-maker was instrumental in the setting up of Sizimisele Community Garden in Empumalanga high density suburb in 2019. The community garden is home to 14 women with different vulnerability backgrounds.
“The policy was long overdue and even the Chairman emphasised on its importance during a full Council meeting, which was held recently. I’m of the view that projects of this nature enhance good relationships between Council and residents,” said Clr Sibanda.
Allotment gardens connect with vibrant communities and economies to create a space for people to meet and share knowledge, learn new skills and harvest in a harmonious way.
Councillor Andrew Mumpande of Ward 6 said Council should expedite the process of identifying land suitable to be utilised for community gardens as part of its efforts to assist poverty stricken families.
“This policy is very good, over and above all it’s enshrined in the Urban Councils Act and will go a long way towards assisting vulnerable members of the community. As such we expect the Town Planner to expedite the process of identifying land for the setting up of these gardens,” he said.
According to Schedule 2 of the Urban Councils Act Chapter 29:15, Powers of Council, section 7, Council has power to cultivate and farm land owned by the municipality or town which is not required for other purposes.
“Apart from improving livelihoods, the community gardens concept will be a plus to Council, as it will enable beneficiaries of the project, that would have otherwise been struggling to pay rates to fulfil their obligation,” said Clr Mumpande.
