By Decide Nhendo
International Organization for Migration (IOM), through its IOM Development Fund responsible for endorsing and management of multiregional and global projects, has taken a bold move to curb immigration in the country by providing a wide range of starter up resources to those who have been migrating to neighbouring countries looking for greener pastures so that they can establish sources of livelihoods.
Speaking to TellZim News at Jerera Growth Point on July 3, where they received various resources for start-ups, Ward 8 councillor Tererai Tererai said the programme is going to improve livelihoods of the local people especially during the current El Nino induced drought.
“This IOM programme is going to improve people’s living standards. And see them through this current El Nino induced drought. It is also helpful as it is going to reunite families as those who used to go to South Africa in search of greener pastures won’t be going there anymore as IOM gave them start up projects,” said Tererai.
Ward 13 councillor Sebastian Musundire said Zaka was among top districts with people migrating to neighbouring countries like South Africa and Zambia in search for greener pastures.
He said IOM came with the programme to discourage migration, so they have empowered both those who were going abroad and those who are still in the villages.
“From IOM’s report it emerged that Zaka was among districts with many people who were migrating to neighbouring countries, so the organisation came up with this programme where they are giving registered people start ups to do their own small businesses,” said Musundire.
“When IOM said they wanted to help reduce the migration scourge, we spread the word across the ward, but only 42 people registered since others were deeming the programme political and thought it was going to be fruitless. Many people wanted to join later when they realized the programme was gaining momentum but, unfortunately, the organisers said they were going to give those registered first,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries Tsungirirai Mukoni from ward 13 said the project will improve the living standards of her family.
“I am glad about this initiative by IOM because it is going to improve our livelihoods, I chose poultry project and I have received four bags of feed as well as feeding tins and trays. I am going to receive the egg layers,” said Mukoni.
“This project will help me to raise money for our children as well as raising m,oney for other domestic use. We will do the project together with my husband,” she added.
Another from ward 8, Real Majebure who used to go to South Africa (SA) said the project brought him a sigh of relief and will no longer need to go abroad since he now has a project that is going to generate money to support his family.
“I have been going to SA for many years and the last time was in 2022. I went there for one year and a few months. Now I will be given 50 broiler chicks and feed as start-up; I have no doubt that this will help me to generate income so that I take care of my family,” said Majebure.
On July 3, the organization gave groceries to those who wanted to open small shops, whilst those who wanted to venture into food shops received big pots, 20 plates, 9kg gas tanks, two plate stoves, 60kg mealie meal and 6 litres cooking oil.
Those in poultry had to choose between 50 broiler chicks, 50 Sasol chicks or 15 layers already at laying stage, and they were given four bags of feed for the birds, while others received ground nuts grinding mills and sewing machines.
People who venture in welding, carpentry and hairdressing are yet to receive their equipment.
