The ManicaPost
Cletus Mushanawani
News Editor
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces have continued to be a people-centered organisation, with its programmes having a huge impact on marginalised communities.
With natural disasters wreaking havoc across the province in recent years, the military is heavily engaged in humanitarian operations now more than ever before.
As Covid-19 takes its toll among the populace of Zimbabwe, the medical personnel at3 Infantry Brigade this week joined the Ministry of Health and Child Care in rolling out the vaccination programme in some of the marginalised areas of the province.
In an interview, 3 Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander, Colonel Bernard Mutasa said their vaccination teams were deployed to Mahenye in Chipinge, Fombe in Nyanga and Mutiusinazita in Buhera as part of their Community Assistance Week programme.
“Over the years, we have been embarking on various projects which have a huge impact on the lives of people, especially in rural and marginalised areas.
“We are a people’s army and this year, we decided to play our part in complementing Government’s efforts of achieving a herd immunity through vaccination.
“We realised that the vaccination programme is more pronounced in urban set-ups and decided to take it to the remotest and furthest areas of the province, hence the deployment of personnel to Mahenye, Fombe and Mutiusinazita.
“We want to assist the less-privileged for them to benefit from all national programmes,” said Colonel Mutasa.
Besides the vaccination programme, the ZDF annually rolls out the Community Assistance Week where the military embarks on several projects to assist communities in line with its constitutional mandate to protect Zimbabwe, its people, its national security, its interests and its territorial integrity.
Through this programme, schools, clinics, roads and bridges have been constructed.
ZDF this week commissioned two construction projects in Chimanimani and Buhera.
The projects are part of Cyclone Idai infrastructure rehabilitation programmes.
3 Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General George Chitsva officiated at the commissioning of two classroom blocks at Charleswood Primary School in Chimanimani yesterday (Thursday).
The classrooms project started in 2020 and was completed early this year.
Colonel Mutasa also commissioned Chawatama Clinic in Buhera today (Friday) after its construction by ZDF.
“The two construction projects that were commissioned this week are also part of our contribution towards Cyclone Idai infrastructure rehabilitation programmes.
“We all know the devastating effects that Cyclone Idai had on some communities in this province and we embarked on these construction projects to lessen the burden the Buhera and Chimanimani communities were facing in accessing key essential services.
“The projects were started in 2020 and were completed this year as we take pride in making a difference in the society,” said Colonel Mutasa.
Zimbabwe Council of Chiefs’ Manicaland chairman, Senator Chief Makumbe hailed the ZDF for their continuous assistance to the communities.
“Our dedicated men and women of the ZDF are our pride. They execute their duties diligently.
“They were the first to be on the ground during the March 2019 Cyclone Idai rescuing those who had been badly affected by the cyclone.
“They were the first to clear the roads to make the areas accessible so that marooned people could get assistance.
“They were also there to evacuate the injured to safe places for medical attention.
“They were at the forefront in distributing relief aid to the people during those trying times and as the custodians of the land, we will forever remain grateful for their efforts,” he said.
Chief Makumbe said the peace prevailing in the country is a result of the ZDF’s efforts to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.
“We are enjoying peace in the country because of our ZDF personnel.
“For the past 41 years, ZDF has ensured that peace prevails in the country. Where there is peace, there will be development and we are now geared to attain Vision 2030.
“We also implore ZDF to play a key role in ensuring that peace and order is restored in the troubled Cabo Delgado area of Mozambique.
“Regional peace and integration will see SADC emerging as a major regional economic giant post the Covid-19 era,” said Chief Makumbe.
