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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
THE Bulawayo City Council is conducting a study on how to preserve the historic Inxwala site which residents have turned into a dump site among other societal ills.
The site, situated between the city centre and North End suburb, lies between Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue to the south, the Old Lady Stanley Avenue to the west, Beit Avenue to the north and Athlone Avenue to the East.
It has been turned into a dump site while most people just think it is just idle land.
Inxwala is very significant to the history of the Ndebele state as it is where important gatherings were held.
In an interview after the Bulawayo clean-up campaign at the site, the city’s Mayor, Councillor Solomon Mguni, said council was looking at ways to preserve Inxwala’s historical significance.
“We are working on an area study on how to preserve this place even without making major construction works at this site. This place should project the culture of the Ndebele people. At the completion of the study there should be material in this place that truly reflects the Ndebele culture,” said Clr Mguni.
Previously, council has said it is considering turning the site into a museum which will generate cash for the local authority.
Clr Mguni however, expressed concerns over residents’ failure to respect the historic place.
“Some have turned this area into a car wash while some use it as a dump site. The problem is enforcement of laws, some of these crimes are committed at night. This issue does not concern the municipality alone but requires a collective approach from stakeholders who include the Environmental Management Agency and police,” said Clr Mguni.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Judith Ncube said more education on the Inxwala site should be relayed to the public so that they have a full appreciation of the place.
“Today we are cleaning a very important place which is named Inxwala. This is a place that should always be clean. It’s a respected place with a huge historic significance. We encourage the City of Bulawayo to place bins so that residents will not just litter all over this place. Some of the people do not know the significance of this place. We should look for historians who will disseminate information on the importance of this place,” said Cde Ncube. — @nqotshili
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