Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
The Midlands Province will host this year’s celebrations after the Second Republic adopted a policy of rotating the hosting of national events in line with President Mnangagwa’s devolution policy. 
Mukudzei Chingwere-Herald Reporter
Preparations for the country’s 45th Independence anniversary celebrations slated for Gokwe, Midlands Province, are on course, with the installation of critical infrastructure at the venue almost complete.
Heritage sites are being upgraded, schools and clinics have been built while the stadium that will host Premier Soccer League teams in rural Gokwe is almost ready.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere detailed progress made so far.
He said contractors were working diligently at the main arena and Gokwe North Open Grounds.
The Midlands Province will host this year’s celebrations after the Second Republic adopted a policy of rotating the hosting of national events in line with President Mnangagwa’s devolution policy.
Last year, the 44th celebrations were held in Buhera, with a record 70 000 people attending.
This year’s celebrations will take place at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe North District, with a special Children’s Party hosted by the First Family on April 17 at Nyamuroro High School.
Notable progress at the venue includes the planting of the lawn, construction of changing rooms, installation of floodlights and building of ablution blocks as well as the sprucing up of the road leading to the venue.
The venue of the Children’s Party is also undergoing substantial renovations.
“Preparations for the 45th independence anniversary and the 2025 Children’s Party have gathered momentum and the nation is gearing up for the celebrations,” said Dr Muswere.
“Contractors have accelerated works at the Main Arena, Gokwe North Open Grounds, and phenomenal progress has been achieved in lawn-planting; terracing; construction of changing rooms; floodlight installation; and construction of ablution blocks”.
He said the venue of the Children’s Party, Nyamuroro High School, is undergoing vast transformation through the construction of two ablution blocks and two students’ hostels, both of which are almost complete.
“Regarding work at Nembudziya Government High School, the Gala Site, construction of one ablution block and 2 classroom blocks; a domestic science laboratory; and a senior science laboratory have reached wall plate level, with roof installation being the next phase,” said Dr Muswere.
He also outlined both short and long-term plans to enhance infrastructure development in the Midlands Province, particularly in Gokwe.
Road rehabilitation efforts under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme are ongoing, with major feeder roads being re-gravelled and surfaced in anticipation of the celebrations.
Health and wellness services are also a priority, with 10 emergency health management teams and ambulances, including an air ambulance, being mobilised.
A VIP ward, isolation centre and 16 telemedicine centres have been established to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
“Concerning health and wellness, the following services, among others, have been mobilised for the Celebrations,” said Dr Muswere.
“10 emergency health management teams; 10 ambulances; an air ambulance, and emergency kits. A VIP ward, isolation centre and 16 telemedicine centres have been established.
“Construction of a mortuary and extension of a ward are already underway at Nembudziya Hospital”.
Adding to the historical significance of the celebrations, the Independence Flame will embark on a route through various districts, culminating at Nembudziya Growth Point.
The flame will be lit by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga on April 10 in Gweru, before passing through key sites including the former Sikombela Detention Camp where it will be received by Vice President Kembo Mohadi.
To honour those who fought for Zimbabwe’s freedom, 132 graves at heroes’ shrines throughout the Midlands are being adorned with concrete slabs, while a field museum and memorial plinth are set to be completed at the former Sikombela Restriction Camp before April 17.
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