Online Reporter
Ray Bande in CHIMOIO, Mozambique
REHABILITATION works at Chimoio Liberation War Shrine, are progressing rapidly, with construction now halfway complete.
The rapid development follows Vice President Kembo Mohadi’s visit to the shrine a fortnight ago.
A delegation from Vice President Mohadi’s office conducted a monitoring tour of the site today, observing the progress first hand.
The Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, in conjunction with the Lotteries and Gaming Board, is funding the construction project. The scope of work includes construction of two three-bedroomed houses for the caretakers, administration offices, a shed capable of accommodating over 200 visitors, state-of-the-art ablution facilities and installation of borehole water reticulation system to benefit the local community. An 820-metre perimeter fence has already been installed around the shrine.
The development has seen villagers around the shrine in Manica Province, praising Vice President for spearheading the ongoing rehabilitation works.
The shrine, located in a secluded area, often receives 2 000 visitors weekly for academic and political purposes.
Vice President Mohadi’s tour, which also included visits to liberation war shrines in Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique, was meant to assess the sites’ conditions and identify necessary renovations.
The ultimate goal is to transform these sites into world-class political tourism products, while honouring the departed heroes and heroines.
At Chimoio, construction works are nearing completion, with the introduction of night shifts to meet the October 10 deadline.
Mr Kaitano Luizhi, a 48-year-old bricklayer, who secured a job at the construction site, said: “I never expected this opportunity. I am truly happy, and my family will greatly benefit from my salary. I am indebted to the Vice President of Zimbabwe, who made this possible after his recent visit,” he said.
Mrs Augusta Manuwere, a local middle-aged woman, added: “May God bless the Vice President of Zimbabwe. We struggled to access clean water, but now it is available close to our homes. We never thought this would happen in our lifetime.”
Ms Dinya Zhuwao, a local resident, said: “We are struggling to find the right words to thank the Vice President. To us, he is a living hero. You cannot comprehend our appreciation unless you knew how we struggled to access clean water.”
Mr Augusto Marutenyi, caretaker of the Chimoio Liberation War Shrine for the past 14 years, added: “Honestly, I never expected this. I am overwhelmed with joy. May God bless Vice President Mohadi. I have seen many delegations visit over the years, including those with high-ranking Government officials, but for the Vice President to come here and trigger tangible change within just two weeks is truly remarkable. All I can say is thank you to him, and may God bless him.”
In an interview on the sidelines of a monitoring visit by officials from Vice President Mohadi’s office yesterday, Zimbabwe’s Consul General to Beira, Cde Malvin Brere, expressed his relief at the rehabilitation works underway at Chimoio Liberation War Shrine.
Interim Secretary of the Lotteries and Gaming Board, Dr Misheck Pachipano Chingozha, briefed the progress monitoring delegation yesterday, reiterating the board’s commitment to financing the rehabilitation works of Chimoio Liberation War Shrines.
“We are pleased to undertake rehabilitative works at this significant historical site, which played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s independence. The Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 10:26) mandates us to support the preservation of National Museums and Monuments, among other key areas.”
“The current construction works demonstrate our dedication to fulfilling this obligation. We are proud to partner with stakeholders, including the diplomatic mission in Mozambique, Government departments, the private sector, and the local community,” said Dr Chingozha.
Chief Director in Vice President Cde Mohadi’s Office, Cde George Madzimure expressed satisfaction with the rehabilitation works’ progress.
“We are monitoring the progress, and I must say we are satisfied with what we have observed. We are confident our report will be positive,” he said.
A representative of Wiser Sower Construction Company said they are confident of meeting the October 10 deadline.
