Government proud of refugee self-reliance initiatives

BY STEVE EPHRAEM

Government is proud of self-reliance projects that are being undertaken by refugees and asylum seekers at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge.

This came out during a speech by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Professor Paul Mavima, which he gave during the commemoration of World Refugee Day, which took place at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge on 20 June 2022.

“To date, a functional 50-hectare irrigation scheme is benefiting 483 farmers, with other households operating vegetable and flea markets here at Tongogara Refugee Camp. This is the way to go, and we will continue to explore other opportunities and expand existing projects.

“The Government, with the support of our development partners, has created livelihood opportunities and supports self-employment by refugees. Some are operating small grocery shops at Tongogara Refugee Camp, while others are involved in empowerment projects such as poultry, fishery, hydroponics and livestock projects,” said Honourable Mavima.

The commemoration ran under the theme: “Whoever, Wherever, Whenever, Everyone Has the Right to Seek Safety.”

The 2022 theme called upon the community of nations to double their efforts in according refugees and asylum seekers international protection.

Tongogara Refugee Camp is home to 15,151 biometrically registered individuals as of May 2022. These refugees and asylum seekers originate from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and elsewhere.