By A Correspondent| Good times continue to roll for liberation war veterans with Presidential advisor Paul Tungwarara spearheading another initiative called Presidential War Veterans Rural Housing Scheme which was launched at Dewedzo High School in Makoni West, Rusape over the weekend.
The initiative, which aims to provide decent housing and solar energy solutions to thousands of rural-based veterans of the liberation struggle, marks a significant step in improving the welfare of war veterans across Zimbabwe.
As part of the pilot project, eight solar-powered boreholes have already been drilled at war veterans’ homes in Manicaland within 48 hours of the launch.
The scheme, which is expected to expand nationwide, also includes an initial allocation of US$150,000 from the War Veterans Fund to Manicaland province.
The overall fund is projected to grow to US$10 million by June 2025, with each province set to receive US$1 million.
Dr. Tungwarara emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of war veterans to the nation’s history and identity.
“Together, let us forge a future where our war veterans are celebrated and their contributions are recognised as integral to our national identity,” he said.
“This initiative aims to improve the lives of our war veterans, with an initial allocation of US$150,000 per province, and the fund is interest-free, enabling our war veterans to embark on projects that stimulate our economy.”
The event was attended by key government officials, including Makoni West Member of Parliament and Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, who praised President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
“Due to President Mnangagwa’s excellent leadership, the land is now being transferred into the hands of the black majority, and with the introduction of the title deeds scheme, we now have security of tenure, which enables us to access loans from banks,” he said.
Dr. Muswere also highlighted the ongoing vetting process to ensure all deserving individuals receive war veteran status.
Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Senator Monica Mavhunga, expressed her gratitude for the initiative, noting its potential to empower war veterans and their communities.
“We are very happy about this Presidential borehole drilling scheme because it allows war veterans to embark on different income-generating projects, and the surrounding community will also benefit,” she said.
Senator Mavhunga also reaffirmed war veterans’ support for extending President Mnangagwa’s term to 2030, citing his commitment to their welfare.
ZANU PF Secretary for War Veterans, Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees, and Restrictees in the Politburo, Douglas Mahiya, echoed these sentiments, stating,
“War veterans are truly excited; the President has remembered the war veterans, and we wish for this to continue to happen because this did not happen over the past 40 years, and it is happening now.”
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, highlighted the agricultural benefits of the scheme.
“Our province mainly relies on agriculture, so with these boreholes, it means war veterans are now embarking on agriculture full throttle, because water is very critical in their production,” he said.
During the launch, 200 war veterans received food hampers and US$200 each, further underscoring the government’s commitment to their welfare.
The Presidential War Veterans Rural Housing Scheme represents a transformative step in honoring and supporting those who contributed to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.