Christopher Makaza

Government will soon provide psycho-socio support to victims of the recent violent demonstrations that were organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and MDC, after they were traumatised when they lost goods and properties to looters.

Speaking to the victims in Chinhoyi on Wednesday during a fact finding mission to assess the extent of damage to property, Minister of State in Vice President Retired General Dr Constantino Chiwenga`s office, Evelyn Ndlovu also said Government was set to offer loans to the victims in a bid to recapitalise their enterprises.

“Government is fully aware that the January 14 to 16 looters left a trail of destruction to your buildings, movable property, and ransacked shops of goods worth thousands of dollars, therefore government is planning to set up a fund to assist the affected business people so that you repair your damaged infrastructure and restock. It will be a reasonable and affordable soft loan.”

One of the affected entrepreneur, Tapiwa Mushekede who is into furniture business applauded Government for the proposed loan facility highlighting that it will go a long way in reviving their affected small businesses.

“We are really grateful that our government is aware of our predicament and has shown interest to support us. It was not our making neither was it Government`s. It was unfortunate that the looters targeted us; they accused us of supporting and being loyal to Zanu PF. The soft and affordable loans will surely help us to restock and revive our business.”