Story by Providence Maraneli
PARLIAMENT has spearheaded the rehabilitation of the Gwanda Old People’s Home, installing a solar power system, establishing an on-site clinic and distributing food hampers to residents, in a move officials say reflects government’s commitment to inclusive social protection for the elderly.
The intervention, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, forms part of broader efforts to improve the welfare and dignity of older persons, particularly those living in institutional care. The project was officially handed over in Gwanda this week.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Advocate Mudenda said Parliament considered it a moral and national obligation to honour and care for the elderly.
“We are here to respect our elders, our parliament saw it fit that every year we pay homage to our elders. I want the board for this area to employ permanent people so that they can look after these people. Our government is not leaving anyone or any place behind,” Advocate Mudenda said.
Residents at the Gwanda Old People’s Home expressed appreciation for the improvements, saying the upgrades had significantly improved their quality of life.
“We are grateful to what the government has done for us, it has been taking care of us and now our homes have been spruced up,
“This is commendable, we feel the warmth of being among the community,
“Our medical bills are being paid,” inmates said.
“It is critical to honour our elderly for many blessings stem from it,” Gwanda-Tshitaudze, legislator, Honourable Fisani Moyo noted.
The rehabilitation works included structural renovations, installation of a solar energy system to ensure uninterrupted power supply, and the provision of food hampers to support daily needs.
The initiative aligns with government’s broader social protection programmes under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which include food distribution in rural communities and cash transfer schemes in urban areas, aimed at ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind.
