HC Deb 02 August 1956 vol 557 c196W
Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of the Tonga people in Northern Rhodesia are now being moved from the bushland between Kariba Gorge and Victoria Falls; what amount is to be paid them in compensation for their displacement; and what steps have been taken to make certain that water supplies will be available in their new lands.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

It is expected that about 29,000 Africans in all will have to be moved, and that about 2,000 who live nearest to the Kariba site will be resettled this year. The amount of compensation to be paid has not yet been decided; but anyone who suffers as a result of being moved will be compensated either with money or in some other appropriate manner.

Extensive hydro-geological and geophysical surveys have been undertaken to determine the ground water potential and the complete water requirements of every village site are being assessed individually. In most cases good clear water can be found near the surface. Supply will normally be by open well, and where the water is at some depth, consideration will be given to the provision of wind driven or other pumps. In two areas a dam and a weir have already been provided.