THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of veterans of the liberation struggle and supporting their families.
In a moment representing more than just mobility, government has handed over a fleet of utility vehicles to the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle which shall be used at district level.
“I am so excited that the government has recognised the Veterans of the Liberation struggle through these utility vehicles. As alluded to by the Minister of the Veterans Liberation Struggle Affairs we are going to maintain these vehicles so that they last longer,” said – Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Matobo District field officer, Cde Caleb Ndlovu.
“We are very grateful today to receive the vehicles and this will make it easy for us to reach to our veterans,” noted Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Mberengwa district field officer, Mr Anold Chiwira.
Handing over the vehicles to the field officers in Harare this Thursday, the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Senator Monica Mavhunga pledged government’s commitment.
“Our Veterans sacrificed their youth, education, comfort and, for some, their lives to secure the freedom we all enjoy. It is our duty to ensure that they and their dependants receive services that are timely, dignified and effective. One of the challenges that has stood in the way of this objective has been limited mobility by District Field Officers which has caused delays in welfare assistance, slowed memorialisation and reburial projects and limited home visits. With these vehicles, District Field Officers will now have the means to reach most Veterans wherever they live, including in some remote parts of our country. In addition, it will easier to move documents, respond to needs without delay, conduct home and hospital visits, confirm school attendance of dependants and monitor projects more effectively. Most importantly, the presence of the Ministry will be more visible and felt in the communities, showing our veterans that we are always ready to serve them,” she said.
The 29 vehicles were commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in June this year.
Government is rolling out several key interventions to improve the welfare of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle among them access to healthcare, land allocations, and empowerment programmes in recognition of their critical role in securing Zimbabwe’s independence.
