Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Pensioners Welfare Trust for Economic Development (ZPWTED) has donated a borehole to Tera Kutya, a blind pensioner living in Waterfalls, Harare, in a bid to improve the welfare of retirees.
The donation is expected to alleviate the severe water shortages that have plagued the area for the past five years, significantly enhancing the living conditions for both Kutya and his community.
Kutya, a former member of the Zimbabwe National Army, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the initiative, noting the immense relief it brings after years of struggling with inadequate water access.
"We are very happy as a community; this is a major achievement for us. Access to clean and fresh water will not only improve our health but also restore dignity to our daily lives, which has been severely affected by dilapidated water sources," Kutya said.
The borehole installation comes at a crucial time for the Waterfalls community, which has been grappling with erratic water supply, a situation that has disproportionately affected the elderly, leaving them vulnerable to waterborne diseases.
During the handover ceremony, ZPWTED Chief Executive Officer Amatu Rwazembe reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to improving the lives of pensioners.
He outlined future initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, including income-generating projects such as horticulture and poultry farming.
"We are committed to ensuring that every pensioner lives a stable and dignified life after retirement. These projects will not only provide food security but also create opportunities for retirees to generate income," said Rwazembe.
He also revealed plans for a new housing scheme tailored to meet the accommodation needs of pensioners.
ZPWTED has already secured land from the Government and is working on the development of affordable housing for retirees.
"This initiative will significantly improve the overall well-being of our retired citizens, addressing one of the most critical challenges they face—proper accommodation," Rwazembe added.
Furthering its commitment to enhancing the lives of retirees, ZPWTED is collaborating with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) to offer skill development programs.
These training sessions will equip pensioners with the necessary skills to manage and sustain the income-generating projects introduced by the Trust.
"We aim to empower our pensioners with practical and professional skills that will enable them to thrive in their post-retirement years," said Rwazembe.
ZPWTED’s Technical Director, Freedom Kangai, echoed these sentiments, confirming the Trust's commitment to addressing the accommodation challenges pensioners face.
"Our housing program is a vital part of ensuring that pensioners live in conditions that reflect the respect and care they deserve," Kangai said.
The borehole project, along with the planned income-generating schemes and housing initiatives, marks a significant step forward in ZPWTED’s mission to improve the quality of life for Zimbabwe’s elderly population, ensuring they receive the support they need during their retirement years.
