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Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Philip Valerio Sibanda hands over keys to Sergeant Lindman Kavuno, one of the beneficiaries of houses constructed by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Benefit Fund in Kariba on Friday

John Manzongo recently in Kariba
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces on Friday handed over 16 houses constructed under the ZDF Benefit Fund to its serving members.
Officially handing over the houses in Batonga Township, Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Philip Valerio Sibanda said the initiative was in line with Zim-Asset.
“Zimbabwe as a nation has put in place the Zim-Asset concept that entails that we have to achieve targeted goals in order for the nation to progress. One such goal is that of giving accommodation to the Zimbabwean population,” he said.

“The construction of these houses is meant to spur development by improving social and economic conditions. The Benefit Fund has also been fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals on the provision of housing since its inception in 1988.”

Lt-Gen Sibanda said in the past, ZDF used to give stands that were at slab level to its members but beneficiaries failed to build homes due to financial challenges hence the construction of the two-roomed core houses.

Beneficiaries are expected to extend the houses to a stage they can afford.
Chairman of ZDF Benefit Fund Major- General Trust Mugoba said the ZDF secured stands in all parts of the country.

“To date the fund has secured stands in all major cities and small towns and 4 725 stands were offered to members while 3 098 houses have been built and allocated. The pursuit of housing projects still remains the fund’s main goal as it guarantees ZDF members long-term social comfort,” he said.

“The fund also gives loans to members of the force up to a maximum of US$5 000.
“The aim of the fund is to seek capital appreciation through investments and the various investment portfolios shall continue to be explored and assessed for better returns.”

One of the beneficiaries, Sergeant Lindman Kavuno of Parachute Regiment, could not hide his joy.
“I am very happy. I never expected to be a landlord in my entire life and this is a miracle.

“I now have somewhere to start from,” he said.