Presidential War Vets Fund taken to Mash West

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

 Mashonaland West Province War Veterans League Chairperson Cde Happison Muchechetere (far right), Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo (second from right), Special Presidential Investment Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara, Secretary for War Veterans Cde Douglas Mahiya, Zanu PF Provincial Chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka and Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Deputy Minister Headman Moyo present a US$150 000 cheque to war veterans at Newlands Primary School in Zvimba

Walter Nyamukondiwa and Trust Freddy

Mashonaland West has become the latest recipient of a US$150 000 Presidential War Veterans Fund provincial allocation, bringing the total disbursement to US$1,5 million, as the Second Republic delivers on its promise to support the country’s liberation heroes.

This is not the last programme, as another one targeting war collaborators will be launched next week while housing and borehole drilling schemes will also be rolled out to all the provinces.

The programme, spearheaded by Dr Paul Tungwarara, who is Special Presidential Investment Advisor to the United Arab Emirates, aims to provide interest-free loans to war veterans, enabling them to start businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Hundreds of people yesterday gathered at Newlands Primary School in Banket, Zvimba North Constituency, Mashonaland West, to witness the official launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund and the drilling of a borehole as the schemes move a gear up.

As of yesterday, 10 boreholes had been drilled for war veterans and five houses built in Mashonaland West alone and 100 war veterans from each province are expected to benefit from the housing scheme.

Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo said: “I am grateful for the support that the Government continues to give to our war veterans.

“We all agreed as a Government that no war veteran should lose their land while they are still alive, and even after death.

“If such incidents occur, we urge you to report them. I am happy that the programme is being launched close to the area where the Famous Seven started the war.”

Minister Chombo said President Mnangagwa had demonstrated he valued the freedom fighters.

“Mashonaland West is developing in line with President Mnangagwa’s aspirations of leaving no one and no place behind. Government has been supportive of the war veterans and on our part we are ensuring that none of them is dispossessed of land,” she said.

Dr Tungwarara said he was unperturbed about the ongoing criticism being levelled against the War Veterans Fund.

“We are not worried, we do not care, and we are not trying to please anyone. Instead, we are focusing on delivering and doing what is supposed to be done. The war veterans need to be empowered. Let’s just watch the space and not talk too much. I believe in talking less and taking more action, and letting our work speak for itself.”

Dr Tungwarara was excited to launch the fund in Mashonaland West the province where the Famous Seven freedom fighters were the first to engage in combat with Rhodesian soldiers.

“Some people were mocking the houses we built on social media, but we really appreciate it because we learn from their criticism and we have since improved the houses we are building based on their criticism.”

Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Deputy Minister Headman Moyo said: “As a Ministry, we are committed to supporting the welfare of war veterans, and we are grateful that after the President noticed the Government was being overwhelmed, he appointed Dr Tungwarara to support us as a Ministry.

“Dr Tungwarara has been delivering on his promises, and we appreciate his efforts in driving the empowerment schemes for war veterans, which is in line with the President’s vision for a better future”

Deputy Minister Moyo said war veterans from the provinces had agreed that President Mnangagwa should continue in office up to 2030.

Mashonaland West Provincial chairperson, Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the province had been eagerly waiting for the launch of the fund.

“The President has demonstrated that he cares about the people and has not forgotten those he fought with in the war of liberation.”

The overall fund is expected to grow to US$10 million by June this year, with each province set to receive US$1 million.

Secretary for War Veterans in the Politburo, Cde Douglas Mahiya said: “I am praying for the 2030 vision to sail through. The support we are receiving has never happened in the past 40 years, but the President is now saying that all war veterans must be included in the development of the nation and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

“We are grateful as war veterans because this programme is ongoing, and we should continue to shower praise and send messages of gratitude to the President about these programmes.

“We are thrilled that war veterans are benefiting from the housing scheme, as some had not managed to build a decent house since 1980.”