Mnangagwa Coaxes War Veterans With Borehole Drilling Equipment As Tension Rises Over Constitutional Amendment Bill – Eduzim News

Tinashe Sambiri– Amid growing unease surrounding the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill, Emmerson Mnangagwa has moved to strengthen ties with war veterans through the distribution of borehole drilling equipment, a gesture some critics interpret as politically timed.

According to a statement from the office of his special adviser Paul Tungwarara, the equipment was handed over under the Presidential Borehole Scheme, a programme the government says is aimed at improving access to clean water across communities.

“President E.D. Mnangagwa has handed over borehole drilling equipment to war veterans, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to expanding access to clean water,” the statement read.

“The handover was facilitated through his Special Adviser, Dr. Paul Tungwarara, and officially received by the Secretary for War Veterans, Cde Douglas Mahiya.”

The event was attended by senior Zanu PF figures, including Patrick Chinamasa, who participated as guest of honour.

“The ceremony was graced by the Secretary for Finance in the Politburo, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, who attended as guest of honour. This initiative forms part of the broader Presidential Borehole Scheme, which continues to empower communities and ensure sustainable water supply in line with Vision 2030,” the statement added.

While the programme is officially framed as a developmental initiative, its rollout comes at a politically sensitive moment, with debate intensifying over the proposed constitutional changes. Some observers argue that such interventions risk being viewed as efforts to secure loyalty from key constituencies rather than purely service-driven projects.

The development has therefore added another layer to the ongoing national conversation around governance, constitutional reform, and the relationship between the state and liberation war veterans.

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