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Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Information Minister disputes number of homeless

By Ndimyake Mwakalyelye

Washington, 14 June 2005 - Zimbabwe's information minister Tuesday disputed reports that his government's ongoing Operation Murambatsvina - Shona for "Drive Out Rubbish" - has left more than 200,000 people homeless. Information Minister Tichaona Jokonya defended Harare's actions in an interview with Studio 7 reporter Ndimyake Mwakalye. Mr. Jokonya said that the cleanup is expected to end in a week or so and added that it should have been conducted at least two years ago. He said the controversial operation was necessary for the country's safety and well-being.