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Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga cuts a ribbon with the help of Mrs Enjula Shanyurai, a beneficiary of one of 72 houses built under the Defence Forces Benefit Fund at Simbi Park in Redcliff yesterday.

John Manzongo recently in Kwekwe
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga yesterday handed over 72 houses to soldiers in Simbi Park in Redcliff constructed under the Defence Forces Benefit Fund. The contributory housing scheme was launched in 1988 and provides cheaper accommodation to members. It has benefited more than 700 soldiers countrywide. Addressing beneficiaries, Gen Chiwenga said the force was complementing Government efforts at providing affordable accommodation.

“Despite this being at a minimal level, I am glad that the ZDF is playing its part to augment Government’s accommodation requirements in addition to assisting in enhancing our efforts towards fulfilling the United Nations Millennium Development Goals on the provision of accommodation.

“Construction of these houses is meant to spur development by improving social and economic conditions of members,” he said.
Gen Chiwenga dissuaded beneficiaries from selling the houses to earn quick money.

“These houses are for your families, do not dispose of the houses as a way of raising quick money. Remember the few dollars so raised may be blown in a matter of minutes while a house in your possession is an asset for life,” he said. He thanked local authorities for allocating land to the ZDF for housing.

One of the recipients Captain Talent Murugani thanked the ZDF for providing them with decent and affordable accommodation.
ZDFBF secretary Mrs Florence Sigudu-Matambo said the fund uplifted the standards of living of soldiers.