THE government has set aside US$10 million for the relocation of families living in the diamond fields of Chiadzwa in Manicaland, Deputy Mines Minister Murisi Zwizwai said on Thursday.

Zwizwai said the money would be used for constructing houses for the villagers among other infrastructural developments.

“I can confirm that US$10 million has been set aside for the relocation. The relocation may take place after they have harvested their crops,” the deputy minister said in an interview.

In its 100-day plan, the power sharing government which assumed office in February this year listed diamonds from the area as a major source of finance for economic regeneration.

An international watchdog has threatened to blacklist Zimbabwe’s diamonds following allegations of human rights abuses and other illegal activities by the army guarding the area.