09/01/2004

Some former farm workers have integrated into squatters' camps near Harare. These former farm workers have had difficulties earning a living as they compete with the existing population. These women interviewed by RI told us that they collected fire wood and fished to make money. "It is difficult (to collect firewood) because is illegal, and you can get arrested. The police confiscate the firewood or they force you to work in the area for war vets for free and then let you go," one woman said. They left the farms but had no family members in rural areas. "We have nowhere else to go. We will stay here until they force us to go elsewhere." Basic services, such as housing and primary education facilities are limited. Sanitary facilities are insufficient, and clean water is scarce. Diseases such as cholera and dysentery are prevalent.