Story by John Nhandara
MANICALAND – WAR veterans in Manicaland Province are witnessing tangible benefits from the Presidential War Veterans Empowerment Programmes, with significant strides being made in the provision of housing and access to clean water through borehole installations.
The province is the latest to benefit from the Presidential War Veterans Housing Scheme and the Presidential War Veteran’s Borehole Sinking Programme as the programmes are now in full motion in Buhera district.
War Veterans League’s Manicaland Provincial Secretary for Transport and Welfare, Cde Nelson Mahamba, described the projects as a long-awaited fulfilment of the values for which war veterans fought.
“This speaks to what we fought for as war veterans. This will ensure we have decent housing as the country’s liberators. Moreover, some of us have benefited from the revolving funds that were launched. These boreholes will ensure a comrade will have clean water and even embark on agricultural activities so we appreciate what the President has done to us.”
The sinking of boreholes is also benefiting surrounding communities in Buhera district as they can now access safe, reliable and clean water.
“These projects are a blessing to the entire community, not just the veterans. We used to fetch water nearly two kilometres away. Now, clean water is just nearby,” a local resident said.
Implementing partners, Prevail International say the empowerment programmes are being expedited to ensure all veterans of the liberation struggle benefit.
“We are implementing the Presidential programmes with speed. Every province has so far received empowerment funds. Some of the provinces have already benefitted from the housing project like the one we are witnessing here in Buhera. These projects will reach all the country’s provinces,” Prevail International’s Group Public Relations Manager, Mrs Tariro Dondo said.
Early this month, President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the war veterans empowerment schemes that encompassed programmes such as title deeds, a revolving fund and farming equipment for veterans of the liberation struggle.
