Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu , Chronicle Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) involvement in community projects across the country has resulted in significant development in a number of communities.
Since the attainment of independence, the country’s military has partnered communities to construct schools, clinics and bridges among other projects in various districts.
Under this partnership the army provides personnel while the community and other stakeholders provide building materials. This has seen projects being completed timeously with good infrastructure.
Today the nation comes together to commemorate Defence Forces Day and reflect on the role of the defence forces in safeguarding the nation.
In an interview Bulilima District Development Co-ordinator (DDC), Mr Onismo Zvogara said the involvement of the army had brought a lot of development in the district.
He said ZNA personnel had constructed Tokwana Clinic, Gampu Clinic, Ngwane Clinic, Mbimba Clinic, Somnene Clinic, Ntambana
Secondary School, Himago Secondary School among others.
“ZNA personnel have constructed a number of projects in the district. Most of the projects have been completed while a few are still ongoing. Various stakeholders such as council, communities and donors mobilise resources and ZNA comes in with personnel that do the construction.
“Their involvement has seen projects being done timeously as they are quick and efficient. If resources are available, they do their work as quickly as possible while at the same time ensuring high standards. Their work is of high quality and communities are guaranteed durable infrastructure. We have had challenges where communities engage builders that construct sub-standard structures which are easily damaged by natural disasters such as heavy rains and winds,” he said.
Gampu Village head, Mr Artwell Nleya said when they constructed Gampu Clinic the presence of ZNA personnel gave them an urge to mobilise resources quickly.
“Some of the resources to construct the clinic came from the community. The army personnel were very professional and well organised and they were always urging us to mobilise resources quickly so they could complete the project. We realised that was an opportunity for us to ensure that our long-awaited clinic was constructed once and for all and this gave us the urge to mobilise resources.
“The entire community was excited and eager to make contributions. It’s not all the time that you can get army personnel to help you with a project. We realised that we had to grab the opportunity with both hands. We knew that if we relax the army personnel might move to another project in another community,” he said.
Mangwe Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bongani Ngwenya said the ZNA assisted in building a footbridge in Khahlu area. He said the project was funded by the Red Cross while ZNA provided labour.
Mr Ngwenya said the bridge had brought huge relief to community members and learners who had challenges in getting across during the rainy season.
Matobo District Development Co-ordinator (DDC), Mr Obey Chaputsira said the ZNA had assisted in constructing Kezi Primary School.
In an interview ZDF spokesperson, Colonel Alphios Makotore said developing communities has remained their major role since 1980. He said the construction of science laboratories in schools was their major thrust to ensure the attainment of Vision 2030.
“We have numerous projects that are underway at the moment across the country. These include school projects where we are building classroom blocks, toilets, science laboratories, administration blocks among others as well clinics and bridges. Our main thrust is construction of science laboratories because they are crucial in the attainment of Vision 2030. In order to achieve an upper middle-income economy, we have to produce and in order to produce we need industries and innovation,” he said.
“We need a crop of learners that will be able to produce and come up with innovations. In order for our learners to have such skills they need science laboratories and these facilities are also needed in rural schools. Since 1980 as ZNA it has always been our role to assist communities and we are still committed to fulfill this role.”
The army is also involved in the reconstruction of three doctors’ quarters and a nurses hostel which were destroyed by fire at Mpilo Central Hospital. The project is expected to be completed next month.
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