Old people’s home appeals for land

Fortunate Gora Chinhoyi Bureau
Old people’s homes in Mashonaland West Province are appealing for Government to assist them acquire land for income-generating projects, which they believe will significantly improve their welfare.

This emerged after a recent tour by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Labour and Social Welfare at Nazareth Shelter Old People’s Home in Chinhoyi. Mudzi West legislator and committee chairperson Cde Magna Mudyiwa supported the idea, saying it will promote self-sufficiency among charitable organisations.

“As a committee, we are going to take that into cognisance when we compile our report. It’s a recommendation that Government avails land for these homes so that they can run income-generating projects to boost production,” she said.

Cde Mudyiwa said although Government is trying to provide some essentials, the homes still lack fundamental basics such as proper medication, foodstuffs and clothing.

They are also struggling to pay water and electricity bills.

“Social welfare is not able to give them money from time to time; so, as a result, they are lacking food stuffs, proper medication and some basic needs,” she said.

“We also discovered that a number of homes are struggling to pay hospital bills.

“For minor ailments, we do not have much problems, but those diseases that require expensive medication are a great challenge.”