Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
The Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of liberation war veterans through the continued rollout of empowerment programmes, with notable progress already visible in Manicaland Province.
Under the Presidential War Veterans Empowerment Programme, Buhera District has become the latest beneficiary of key initiatives including the Presidential War Veterans Housing Scheme and the Borehole Sinking Programme. These efforts seek to enhance the dignity and livelihoods of Zimbabwe’s freedom fighters.
The programmes involve the construction of decent housing units and the installation of boreholes in line with President Mnangagwa’s pledge that no war veteran will be left behind in the country’s development agenda.
Speaking on the sidelines of the programme’s rollout, War Veterans League’s Manicaland provincial secretary for transport and welfare, Cde Nelson Mahamba, said the projects reflect the ideals that inspired the liberation struggle.
“This speaks to what we fought for as war veterans,” he said.
“This will ensure we have decent housing as the country’s liberators. Moreover, some of us have benefited from the revolving funds that were launched.
“These boreholes will ensure comrades have clean water and can embark on agricultural activities, so we appreciate what the President has done for us.”
Cde Mahamba also noted that the boreholes are benefiting the wider community, many of whom have long struggled with access to water.
“These projects are a blessing to the entire community, not just the veterans,” he added.
“We used to fetch water nearly two kilometres away and now clean water is nearby.”
Prevail Group International, the implementing partner for the programme, confirmed that similar initiatives are underway across the country, with every province expected to benefit.
“We are implementing the Presidential programmes with urgency. All provinces have so far received empowerment funds,” said Mrs Tariro Dondo, group public relations manager for Prevail International.
“Some, like Buhera, have already begun receiving housing units. These projects will reach all corners of the country.”
Earlier this month, President Mnangagwa officially launched a comprehensive package of empowerment programmes for war veterans.
These include the provision of title deeds for beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme, a revolving fund for empowerment projects, farming inputs and equipment, signalling a new chapter of recognition and support for the nation’s liberators.
The Government has pledged to continue expanding these initiatives as part of its broader policy to restore dignity and enhance the socio-economic well-being of all veterans of the liberation struggle.
