Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE Government has strengthened healthcare and reintegration support for returning Zimbabweans by deploying health workers at ports of entry, establishing a health facility at Beitbridge Border Post and expanding social support programmes.
The measures were outlined during Wednesday’s National Assembly Question and Answer Session.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said nearly 100 000 returnees have been screened through the programme, with particular attention given to people living with chronic illnesses.
“We have put in place health workers at the port of entry for screening. Nearly 100 000 people have been screened so far. We understand that some of those with chronic diseases have left their treatment. We have put in place clinics for treatment for at least five days before they are registered in their respective districts. In those districts, they will start receiving their treatment,” he said.
The Government also assured returnees of assistance with transport, reintegration and access to financial support for income-generating projects.
Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi said mechanisms had been activated to facilitate the smooth return and reintegration of citizens.
“We have activated the system to ensure that they get proper transportation from their areas until they reach their homes. There are financial institutions ready to assist. We have our own extension farm workers ready to help. Let the returnees come, and we will assist them,” he said.
On the economy, Minister Ziyambi said Zimbabwe remained committed to transitioning towards a mono-currency system, citing the stabilisation of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency and the achievement of single-digit inflation as key milestones.
“We have travelled a long journey in stabilising the economy. We are happy that since 1998, we have had a single-digit economy. Once we create an enabling environment, our goal is to attract capital. Mono-currency is the future. We are working towards that. We have put our companies under Mutapa. We are trying to raise capital using our own resources. The figures are there for all to see. It’s a matter of perception that needs to be dealt with,” he said.
The Government says the reintegration programme forms part of broader efforts to support Zimbabweans returning home while advancing the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the country’s Vision 2030 agenda.
