Harare, (New Ziana)-The peace and security that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) guarantees are fundamental requisites and catalysts for all sectors and the general population to engage in productive economic activities, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Wednesday.
He said this while officiating at the commissioning of a housing project in Dzivarasekwa that will benefit ZDF members.
President Mnangagwa said issues of accommodation should not distract members of the security services from ensuring the country enjoys peace and stability.
“The peace, security and defence of our Nation, remain fundamental requisites and catalysts for economic transformation, enabling all sectors and the general citizenry to engage in productive economic activities. This is guaranteed by our security sector, without having to be distracted by accommodation issues,” he said.
He said the availability of institutional accommodation is also vital for maintaining operational efficiencies, including enabling the national army to coordinate quickly and efficiently react in cases of emergencies and disasters.
The Dzivaresekwa and Imbizo Barracks institutional accommodation projects are aimed at constructing a total of 8 430 housing units, he said.
“Regrettably, the projects were in the past stalled for various reasons and are now moving forward, at an increased pace and momentum. I therefore commend the Ministry of Defence, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Construction Regiment, working in conjunction with Broadhaven Construction Company, for the success milestones realised to date,” he stated.
President Mnangagwa however bemoaned the small size of the ZNA construction regiment and implored the Ministry of Defence to expand it as well as appropriately equip it so that it increases its efficiency and capabilities.
He also challenged the Defence Ministry to embark on the training of service personnel to possess qualifications, skills and experience in the various construction and engineering fields which he said helps augmenting the ongoing Public Sector construction initiatives.
The move, he said, will allowing private contractors to focus more on industrial and other vital national installations such as dams, roads and energy infrastructure.
“Meanwhile, innovative financing solutions and partnerships must be developed towards supporting as well as speeding up the ongoing and planned massive construction project across our barracks.
“These include accommodation facilities at the Jaison Ziyapapa Moyo Barracks, Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks, 2 Presidential Guards Battalion HQ, 3.3 Infantry Battalion in Chipinge and 1.3 Infantry Battalion in Plumtree, among others,” he said.
President Mnangagwa commended the quality of the completed houses which he said attests to the professionalism, ingenuity and competency of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Construction Regiment. He noted that the ZDF has shifted from conventional brick-and-mortar houses to a new cheaper, cleaner, climate smart and sustainable building technology, the approach he said must see more houses being speedily constructed, resulting in many more families being accommodated.
New Ziana
