Improve conditions for farm workers
ALTHOUGH many people were celebrating the country’s 38th Independence they said they feel a lot needs to be urgently done to improve the standards of our lives.
Some workers especially those who work in farms that were acquired during the land reform said they were not happy with the harsh conditions they are subjected to by fellow black farmers. These farm workers participated at the celebrations at various provincial stadiums where they said although some of them were given the gazetted salaries they still feel that the salaries they are getting every month end were very low when compared with those from other countries in the Sadc region.
We all know that tobacco is the major foreign currency earner than all other crops but the tobacco farm workers are the least paid since they are getting salaries which are less than 100 dollars per month. This figure was described as an insult by these workers who sometimes are forced to work seven days a week.
Almost all workers from all Agricultural sectors like cotton, maize, sugar-cane and in the pig industries are not happy about the way they are being treated and appealed to Government to urgently come to their rescue before the situation gets out of control.
Some workers in the retail industry also complained about working for very long hours but no overtime is paid. Some supermarket workers are reported to be starting work as early as 5am up to 10pm and this is unfair to these workers. Something has to be done to this industry because more workers were fired after they were found eating in the supermarket kitchens. The salaries they get cannot even last a single week since they will also be expected to cover other things like transport, school fees and food for their families.
The workers said for them to achieve total independence their working conditions should be improved. Some people also talked about our roads which are in bad state. Every independent country should have proper roads and affordable transport. People in rural areas walk very long distances to reach the nearest bus station as a result of these bad roads. Some villagers are either eaten by lions or bitten snakes on their way to these long distance bus stops or going to the hospital.
We hope the Government will work hard to improve the standards of lives at our work places, hospitals, farms and this includes both in urban and rural areas.
Eddious Masundire Kingstone Kwembeya,
Dangamvura, Mutare.