‘Soldiers borrow uniforms, army hospital contractor quits over non-payment,’ says Defence minister lamenting Treasury choke

THE Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri says soldiers are borrowing ceremonial uniforms, facing an accommodation crisis and have restricted access to water and electricity as Treasury fails to release funds on time.

She said the ministry is required to provide three sets of uniforms per soldier, but has managed only two. The budget for uniforms is $620 million against a bid of ZiG4 billion, just 25% of requirements.

“Currently the ministry is failing to meet the requirement for ceremonial uniforms. Many have to borrow. This does not give us the dignity we deserve,” Muchinguri-Kashiri said.

The flagship Manyame Hospital, 97% complete for two years with capacity for 149 beds, cannot be commissioned because the army is failing to equip it while the contractor has moved off site due to non-payment.

“This structure is ready and, will not only cater for soldiers but, our general public, we would saved a lot of US dollars if we got this hospital operational,” she said, noting officers were currently being referred to India for treatment.

Other stalled projects include Dzivaresekwa housing and rehabilitation in some places.

She told Speaker Jacob Mudenda that institutional accommodation has a serious gap, transport is lacking forcing expensive vehicle hires, and health services are inadequate.

“Unpaid utility bills have left some barracks without water and electricity while morale is low due to poor salaries.”

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