War veterans receive land for market stall project

The Government's efforts to economically empower veterans of Zimbabwe's liberation struggle received a significant boost on Saturday after the Zvimba East War Veterans Association was allocated five hectares of land for the development of market stalls aimed at creating jobs and sustainable income opportunities.

The land was made available through a lease agreement with Eddies Pfugari Properties and was officially handed over during a ceremony held in Ward 30, attended by government officials, war veterans and community stakeholders.

Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Monica Mavhunga, presided over the handover and said the initiative aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's vision of ensuring that veterans play an active role 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," said Minister Mavhunga.

She described the project as an example of growing cooperation between Government and the private sector in advancing the welfare of veterans who contributed to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.

"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.

The minister urged project stakeholders to work closely with planning authorities and local government structures to ensure the development complies with all regulatory requirements and local authority by-laws.

She noted that beyond creating business opportunities for war veterans, the completed project would also generate revenue for the Zvimba Rural District Council through commercial activity and associated development.

The initiative was welcomed by the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, whose spokesperson, Cornelius Muwoni, said the project would help reduce dependence on government assistance 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," said Muwoni.

"Resources can then be channelled to other critical areas while veterans improve their livelihoods through productive economic activities."

General manager of Eddies Pfugari Properties, Percy Chitima, said the company partnered with the association as part of its commitment to supporting national development initiatives and community empowerment programmes.

"We support Government initiatives and that is why we partnered in this project by providing the land to the war veterans," Chitima said.

"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."

The launch also received support from Prevail International, which provided logistical assistance, including tents, chairs, a public address system and refreshments for attendees.

The market stall development forms part of broader efforts by the Government to promote sustainable income-generating projects for veterans of the liberation struggle and improve their long-term economic welfare through empowerment initiatives rather than direct support alone.

Officials expressed optimism that the project would become a model for similar partnerships aimed at creating economic opportunities for veterans and their families across the country.