All set for Independence Day celebrations

the preparations for the 33rd Independence anniversary celebrations tomorrow.
Speaking after touring the National Sports Stadium yesterday, where the main celebrations would be held, chairman of the taskforce and Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo said he was happy with the level of preparedness.

“The ground and stadium have been spruced up with the parking area clearly marked,” he said. “The rehearsals by the military personnel and the youngsters show everything is in place. We have made contingency plans and we have two big generators to use in a situation where there are power supply interruptions. This year there is a big screen for wide viewership and we are happy with the innovation.”

Minister Chombo said invitations for the celebrations had already been sent to embassies, ministers, political party leaders and other dignitaries.
He advised those attending not to wear political party regalia as the independence celebrations were a national event.

Minister Chombo said there would be no displays by primary school children this year after the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture failed to organise them. Highlanders and Dynamos football clubs will play in Harare for the Independence Cup Trophy, while Chicken Inn and Monomotapa would compete for the third and fourth places in Bulawayo.
In the provinces, celebrations would include feasts where people would enjoy game meat in some areas.

Minister Chombo said every political party was asked to assist with transport to ferry people to the various venues. In Harare, he said, the transport logistics were in place.
“So far, more than 30 Zupco buses have been confirmed for free and 10 private operators have also confirmed that they will provide free transport,” he said.

More than 40 commuter buses would also be available and there are several lorries that have been approved to ferry people to the National Sports Stadium. Minister Chombo said route permits for transporters ferrying people to the celebrations would be suspended.
In Hurungwe, businessman and Hurungwe West Development Association chairman Mr Temba Mliswa donated 19 cattle towards the Independence celebrations yesterday.