Source: Independence Day preparations in home stretch | The Sunday Mail
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Sunday Mail Reporter
FINAL preparations for the main 45th Independence Day celebrations, set for Friday at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe North, are underway.
A total of 369 buses have been mobilised to transport people from across the country to the main venue. At the same time, the police are ready to ensure the safety and smooth movement of people during the celebrations.
At the main venue, the football pitch, ablution facilities, terraces and access roads are now 90 percent complete.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe told The Sunday Mail that all works will be completed on time.
“Preparations at the main venue in Gokwe Nembudziya are at an advanced stage and progressing well,” he said.
“As of now, the football pitch is 90 percent complete, with lawn maintenance underway.
“All the other supporting infrastructure at the main ground, including changing rooms, are almost done.
“They are doing plastering and a few touch-ups, but most of the work is done.
“As of today (Thursday), ablution blocks are at 90 percent, while terraces and access roads are nearing completion.
“We are confident that all works will meet the highest standards.”
He said several infrastructure upgrades had been undertaken both in Nembudziya and surrounding areas with a view to creating lasting benefits for local communities.
“These are sustainable development projects which will provide services to the local people for years to come,” said Minister Garwe.
“We have built a new fully equipped modern stadium where the main celebrations will be held.
“In the future, this stadium will host Division One matches for a team based at Gokwe Nembudziya.
“At the stadium, we also constructed six new toilet facilities and terraces with retaining walls.”
The district hospital has undergone renovations, including its VIP ward, and a new mortuary has been constructed.
At Nyamuroro High School, new boys’ and girls’ hostels have been built to accommodate learners coming from across the country.
Further developments at Nembudziya High School include the construction of a new home economics block, a new two-by-one classroom block, the renovation of a previously unused classroom block, new and completed ablution blocks and upgraded science laboratories for both senior and junior levels.
The school’s administration block has also been refurbished.
“We have drilled and equipped three boreholes, supplemented by three 5 000-litre water tanks,” he added.
“Electricity supply has been secured and backup generators are in place.”
Access roads leading to and from Nembudziya Growth Point are being upgraded by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
“The ministry is working in close coordination with the Midlands provincial development committee, local authorities, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Ministry of Transport to ensure all logistics are streamlined. Transport plans have been finalised, where the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has managed to mobilise 369 buses, which will ferry people from across the country to the venue.”
Official proceedings, Minister Garwe said, will begin on Thursday with the annual Children’s Party at Nyamuroro High School, hosted by President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
More than 3 000 children from across the country are expected to attend the event, which will feature entertainment, educational activities and a formal luncheon with the First Family.
“The next day, the main celebrations will be held at the Nembudziya Growth Point Open Ground venue in Gokwe North,” he continued.
“An Independence Gala will be hosted at Nembudziya Government High School on the eve of the celebrations.
“On April 18, the celebration’s major highlight will be the address by the President and thereafter there will be a soccer match between Simba Bhora and FC Platinum.”
Speaking to The Sunday Mail, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Permanent Secretary Ambassador Raphael Faranisi confirmed that much of the preparatory work is nearing completion.
“Most preparations are done and, as the Ministry of Home Affairs, we are ready,” he said.
“Security is guaranteed as we have already deployed the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The transport is there to ferry people to the celebrations . . . we will also be having the police helping in terms of ensuring safe travel,” he said.
He said the Independence Flame, which was officially lit last week by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, will be received on Thursday by Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi at the historic Sikombela Restriction Camp before being relayed to the main venue in Nembudziya by torchbearers.
The flame has been travelling through all the districts of the Midlands province.
“Today (yesterday), I will actually be travelling to Kwekwe where we will put up before proceeding to Sikombela tomorrow (today) to ensure that everything is ready for the reception on Thursday,” said Amb Faranisi.
The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, he added, will have exhibitions at Hwahwa and Connemara prisons.
These displays will tell the story of nationalists who were detained there during the liberation struggle.
Regarding legacy projects, the Government has adopted both short- and long-term interventions for the Midlands province, particularly focused on the Gokwe districts.
Under the second phase of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme, major feeder roads to and from Nembudziya are being surfaced and re-gravelled.
In total, 129 boreholes have been drilled across the Gokwe districts, including seven at the venue.
A combined 60 000 litres of potable water storage capacity has been secured for use during the celebrations.
To support health and wellness during the event, 10 emergency health management teams will be on standby, along with 10 ambulances, an air ambulance, an isolation centre and 16 telemedicine centres.
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