A businessman close to Zimbabwe's president signed a deal to give homes to former fighters. Paul Tungwarara works as an investment adviser for President Emmerson Mnangagwa. His company will provide 50,000 housing plots across the country. Government officials estimate fewer than 30,000 war veterans remain alive today. Many people question who will receive the extra plots from this program.
Tungwarara creates many projects with the word "Presidential" in their names. He receives government contracts without competing against other companies. His previous schemes helped drill water wells and distribute cash to veterans. Local government minister Daniel Garwe joined him at the signing ceremony Wednesday. War veterans minister Monica Mavhunga promised the program would operate transparently.
The liberation war ended 45 years ago, and most veterans face poverty. These former fighters are old and lack the money to build houses. Mnangagwa wants their support before he tries to extend his presidency past 2028. The constitution limits presidents to two terms, but he may seek to change that rule. Veterans have criticized the government and demanded better treatment for their service.
Tungwarara creates many projects with the word "Presidential" in their names. He receives government contracts without competing against other companies. His previous schemes helped drill water wells and distribute cash to veterans. Local government minister Daniel Garwe joined him at the signing ceremony Wednesday. War veterans minister Monica Mavhunga promised the program would operate transparently.
The liberation war ended 45 years ago, and most veterans face poverty. These former fighters are old and lack the money to build houses. Mnangagwa wants their support before he tries to extend his presidency past 2028. The constitution limits presidents to two terms, but he may seek to change that rule. Veterans have criticized the government and demanded better treatment for their service.
