Source: War vets secure land for market stalls – herald
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga addresses delegates at the handover of land for market stalls to former fighters in Granary along Bulawayo-Harare Highway in Zvimba District on Saturday. – Picture Charles Muchakagara.Emmanuel Kafe-Herald Reporter
THE Government’s drive to economically empower veterans of the liberation struggle received a major boost on Saturday after the Zvimba East War Veterans Association was handed five hectares of land for development of market stalls.
This project is expected to create jobs and sustainable income streams for ex-combatants and their families.
The land, provided through a lease agreement with Eddies Pfugari Properties, was officially handed over in Ward 30 by Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Senator Monica Mavhunga.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Mavhunga said the initiative was in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of ensuring veterans participate meaningfully in the country’s economic development.
“Today’s event is fully aligned with that vision. The development of market stalls on this land will create a platform for veterans to engage in productive economic activities, generate income, create employment and contribute meaningfully to local economic development.”
The minister said the project reflected growing collaboration between Government and the private sector in improving the welfare of veterans.
“The lease agreement between the Zvimba East War Veterans Association and Eddies Pfugari (Pvt) Ltd is testimony to the growing realisation by the private sector of the need to complement Government efforts in improving the welfare of veterans of the liberation struggle,” she said.
She urged the association and stakeholders to work closely with planning authorities to ensure the development complies with local authority by-laws and statutory requirements.
Minister Mavhunga said once completed, the market stalls would not only provide business opportunities for veterans but also generate revenue for the Zvimba Rural District Council.
Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) spokesperson Cde Cornelius Muwoni welcomed the project, saying it would reduce dependence on Government support programmes.
“We commend Government for this initiative. It reduces pressure even on the national fiscus because people who previously depended on assistance will now have an opportunity to generate their own income.
“Resources can then be channelled to other critical areas while veterans improve their livelihoods through productive economic activities,” said Cde Muwoni.
Eddies Pfugari Properties general manager, Mr Percy Chitima, said the company partnered the war veterans as part of its commitment to supporting national development initiatives.
“We support Government initiatives and that is why we partnered in this project by providing the land to the war veterans.
“We have agreed that the land should be developed in an orderly manner and in line with local authority by-laws to ensure a sustainable and properly planned project,” he said.
The event also received logistical support from Prevail International (Pvt) Ltd, which provided tents, chairs, a public address system, refreshments and other facilities.
The market stall project comes amid renewed efforts by the Second Republic to promote sustainable income-generating ventures for veterans of the liberation struggle as part of broader economic empowerment programmes.
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