Published: 4 hours ago

Workers at Drummond Ranch near Beitbridge are reportedly facing a potential waterborne disease risk after allegations that they are being forced to drink untreated water drawn directly from an on-farm dam, while also living in overcrowded and poorly ventilated accommodation.

According to an assessment by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) and the Horticulture and General Agriculture and Plantation Workers' Union, about 180 workers at the farm are affected, with numbers rising to over 400 during peak operations. Workers claim there is no water purification system in place for their use, while purified water is reserved for the owners' household. They also allege that both livestock and wildlife drink from the same dam, increasing health risks.

Housing conditions have also been criticised, with reports that traditional huts have been subdivided to accommodate up to 20 workers per structure, leaving them cramped and poorly ventilated.

NSSA occupational safety officials warned that direct consumption of untreated water poses serious health risks and called for immediate installation of proper purification systems and improved living conditions.

Farm manager David Drummond, however, dismissed the concerns, saying he and his family also drink the same water and have not experienced health issues. He further argued that improving worker housing conditions would take time and raised concerns about potential damage to infrastructure by employees.

Worker representatives and unions say they are now pushing for urgent improvements, including safer water supply systems, better housing standards, and improved wages, with reports that workers currently earn about RTGS$220 per month.

The matter has heightened scrutiny of labour and living conditions at the farm, with calls for stronger enforcement of occupational safety standards.
- newsday