Andrew
Online Reporter
Around 700 war veterans received basic aquaculture training in Harare on Saturday under a programme to economically empower them.
The one-day value chain development workshop was organised by the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks).
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Online on the sidelines of the workshop, deputy director of War Veterans Affairs, Mr Ernest Chetse, said:
“According to the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Government is mandated to improve the warfare and economic empowerment of the veterans, detainees and restrictees of the liberation struggle.
“Various efforts are being made, including implementation of the quota policy.
“This ensures that they are mainstreamed into the economy.”
He said Treasury allocated $245 million for war veterans’ empowerment projects.
The aquaculture training programme is set to be decentralised countrywide.
“We have seen it imperative that we engage Zimparks to offer the expertise on the aquaculture management and turn it into a profitable agribusiness.
“Everyone within the war veterans’ community is welcome to apply for their share from the Government’s allocation, but one needs to show commitment by putting up initial investment through constructing fish ponds and acquiring fingerlings,” added Mr Chetse.
Online Reporter