COMMENT: Spare a thought for the homeless and vulnerable

When the 2022 national population and household census was officially launched on April 20 symbolising the take-off of the programme that is in its concluding stages, there was a section of the population which was given preference on that Census night and were counted.
With this unpredictable and chilli weather of Masvingo in the fast approaching winter season, it would be proper to spare a thought for those people who are living on the streets of most if not all urban centres and growth points. The fact that they were considered part of this society by being incorporated into the Census programme might mean their welfare matters as well.
Responsible government authorities notably the Social Welfare Department and probably Health ministry should see to it that the welfare of these people is also taken note of and thus provide for them the necessary needs they deserve. The mental health institutions in the province and nation at large should consider housing some of these people society has tag-named ‘Vagrants’ and ensure they are placed at the place they deserve to be housed at.
There is need for the prioritisation even of their mental health through provision of much-needed medical supplies as well as shelter instead of letting them roam around the streets as some of them have developed violent tendencies that may end up harming society. Shelter would definitely protect them from these adverse weather conditions while at the same time being housed at mental health institutions would ensure their conditions are kept under check.
With all the information at hand after this Census exercise, hopefully the plight of these vulnerable people would be put into consideration and workable solutions put in place towards their welfare by the responsible authorities. The extreme weather conditions that have become a major feature on Masvingo calendar be it due to climate change effects or is it the presence of so many natural water bodies around, the people on the streets need to be considered and be placed in a comfort zone.
International conventions have seen several ratifications brought forward with such annual commemoration s like the World Habitat Day in October being one major highlight focusing on the vulnerable while in sport there have been major international tournaments like the World Cup for the homeless which show governments’ commitment towards such groups of people in given societies.
Also various other stakeholders including the church or even the business community not leaving behind Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can also join the band wagon in trying to ensure this section of the society’s needs are catered for through provision of necessities that suit their various conditions and status.