Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has announced a government initiative aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable elders and war veterans of the liberation struggle, particularly those in rural areas.

The initiative will be supported by trainees in technical and vocational education and unemployed youth who will construct and maintain basic household amenities such as toilet facilities, sanitation, water, and electricity.

Prime Minister Ngurare said many elderly and war veterans in rural areas live in deplorable conditions and lack proper care, necessitating this humanitarian support from the government.

"The government is assisting through social grants and old-age pensions. However, we recognise that some households in our society require support for the elderly, and traditional authorities are aware of which households need care and assistance with basic amenities such as a decent place to sleep, access to water, sanitation, and food."

Dr. Ngurare said the initiative will be funded through the government's Food for Work and Cash for Work schemes, which also aim to establish community gardens in villages throughout the country that will contribute towards food security.

Other MPs, despite supporting the initiative, raised concerns relating to verification methods and oversight, among others.

Ngurare responded that the intervention should be seen as a necessary initiative to improve the livelihoods of the elderly and added that efforts will be made to ensure equity.

He acknowledged that some veterans are still waiting for their payments from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs; however, this should not hinder the government's humanitarian efforts to enhance their welfare.