War Veterans borehole drilling scheme spreads wings to Mash West
Recently, Special Presidential Investment Advisor to the United Arab Emirates Dr Paul Tungwarara announced that the first US$150 000 would be allocated to the Zimbabwe Political Prisoners, Detainees, and Restrictees Association
Zvimba: THE Presidential war veterans borehole drilling and housing scheme has spread its wings and set for launch in Mashonaland West Tuesday, Express Mail Zim can report.
The launch is part of the Presidential War Veterans Fund which has an allocation of USD 1,5 million in a concerted effort to economically empower the country’s liberators.
The launch will be held at Chaoma Shops in Banket in the Zvimba North Constituency locale.
The guest of honour is Douglas Mahiya who is the secretary for war veterans and gust speakers include Dr Paul Tunhwarara the Presidential Investment Advisor,Senator Monica Mavhunga (minister of veterans of liberation struggle),Mary Mliswa (provincial chairperson Mash West) and Marian Chombo resident minister for Mash West.
Entertainment will be provided by Chief Hwenje,Jah Bob,Sabhuku Vharazipi,Jatwero and #ED Team Morari among others.
The US$1,5 million was recently allocated for the Presidential War Veterans Fund with three provinces already having received US$150 000 each making Mash West the fourth beneficiary .
The fund will provide interest-free loans to war veterans, enabling them to start businesses and achieve self-sufficiency.
Recently, Special Presidential Investment Advisor to the United Arab Emirates Dr Paul Tungwarara announced that the first US$150 000 would be allocated to the Zimbabwe Political Prisoners, Detainees, and Restrictees Association (ZIPPEDRA) in Harare Metropolitan.
“As the Presidential Advisor, I have been sent to inform you that the President is contributing US$150 000 to the ZIPPEDRA Fund for Harare Province, which we are officially launching today. This fund will be accessible to all members to start their own projects, and the best part is that it will be interest-free,” Dr Tungwarara was quoted as saying .
The programme would be extended to war veterans across the country, with beneficiaries required to repay the loans to ensure the fund’s sustainability.
“The fund will be continuously reviewed and increased based on the honesty and diligence of beneficiaries in repaying the loans, so that others can also benefit,” he said.
Young Women in Business Global also put weight behind the noble initiative .
Zanu PF deputy national commissar Webster Shamu, who also hails from Mash West, praised President Mnangagwa for his commitment to supporting war veterans, stating that the fund would significantly improve their economic prospects.
Apphial Nyasha Musavengana, president of Concord for Young Women in Business Global also commended the initiative and pledged to provide financial literacy training to beneficiaries to ensure the effective use of the loans.
“We want to thank Dr Tungwarara for donating US$100 000 to the ZIPPEDRA Women’s Fund through His Excellency. This fund will enable women to access funding for their projects and businesses without collateral,” she said.
Chikomba West Legislator Tatenda Mavetera expressed gratitude for the initiative.
In Masvingo, President Mnangagwa committed US$166 000 to the War Veterans Fund.
War veterans remain a vital part of Zimbabwe’s development, offering leadership at both community and national levels.
During the 2023 harmonised elections, they played a key role in mobilising support for the ruling party and defending the ethos of the liberation struggle.
The Presidential War Veterans Fund reflects Government’s recognition of the contributions made by war veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres, and war collaborators.
