Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo recently in Lupane
THE Government has allocated 1 000 hectares of irrigation land to war veterans in Matabeleland North province as part of non-monetary benefits to enhance the welfare of former freedom fighters.
Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, revealed this last Friday during an interface meeting between the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Cde Monica Mavhunga, and the veterans community at the Lupane Town Board hall.
“This land is at the Gwayi-Shangani Lake corridor. The allocation is meant to empower the veterans in appreciation of their selfless sacrifice as they fought to bring majority rule,” said Minister Moyo.
During the same meeting, Minister Mavhunga announced that Government was in the process of availing a duty free car import scheme for the war veterans.
“The Attorney-General’s Office is finalising legal instruments to provide for duty free vehicle imports, tax relief and tollgate exemption for our war veterans,” she said.
Minister Mavhunga said the Government remains committed to preserving the liberation struggle legacy through the identification, exhumation and reburial of fallen heroes and heroines, noting that the process was complex and involves several ministries and stakeholders.
“It is, therefore, appreciated that President Mnangagwa approved the setting up of the inter-ministerial committee and liberation heritage fund to expedite the speedy identification, exhumation and reburial of the fallen cadres, as well as the maintenance of the burial shrines within and outside the country,” said Minister Mavhunga.
She said the spouses and dependants of declared heroes and heroines were also entitled to statutory benefits, save for funeral grants, saying it was, however, unfortunate that most widows/widowers were not aware of these benefits but Government has since introduced awareness campaigns.
Meanwhile, the War Veterans Association in Matabeleland North is yet to receive its share of the Presidential War Veterans Support Fund that saw each province being allocated $200 000 in June this year.
Provincial war veterans league chairperson, Cde Sonny Mguni, told Minister Mavhunga that the delays in the release of the funds impact negatively on the livelihood of the veterans.
“The province has resolved to seek clarity on the causes of the delays and the possible solutions in place to accelerate facilitation of the promises,” said Cde Mguni.
He said even the bicycles that were promised to be delivered to the province are yet to arrive.
“We reiterate that the idea of bicycles is critical, especially to the veterans in the rural areas who face mobility challenges due to a laçk of readily available transport,” said Cde Mguni.
He further revealed that construction of houses under the housing scheme has not started and that they have not been given any date as to when the programme will be implemented in the province.
On boreholes, Cde Mguni said only a demo borehole was drilled.
The interface was also attended by Minister Mavhunga’s deputy, Cde Headman Moyo and Nkayi North legislator who is also a member of the Politburo, Cde Sithembiso Nyoni, as well as Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Fati Mpofu.
Bongani Ndlovu