Online Reporter
Today, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to unveil the Chimoio Camp and officially commission the newly constructed Chimoio flats at Tomlinson Depot in Harare.
These flats have been built to provide accommodation for police officers, enhancing their living conditions and operational efficiency.
The event is graced by notable attendees, including:
Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba,
Defence and War Veterans Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri,
Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere,
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe,
Harare Metropolitan Minister Charles Tavengwa,
Other senior government officials.
Stay tuned as Freeman Razamba and Edward Zvemisha bring you live updates from this significant occasion.
Officials wait for the arrival of President Mnangagwa who will officially open the accommodation today.
President arrives for commissioning ceremony
President Mnangagwa has arrived to commission a newly built block of flats at Chimoio Camp, formerly Tomlison Depot, in Harare.
This is a key milestone in Government’s efforts to improve living conditions for police officers.
The President first inspected a quarter guard before going to the briefing room with Cabinet Ministers and senior police officers.
The state-of-the-art residential complex, constructed for Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) personnel, is set to ease accommodation challenges for police officers.
The flats feature 96 housing units, and these will be allocated to junior police officers, ranging from the ranks of Constable to Inspector.
Chimoio Camp flats commissioned
President has commissioned new police flats at Chimoio Camp in Harare.
The President has unveiled a plaque and commissioned the newly built block of flats at Chimoio Camp, formerly Tomlinson Depot in Harare.
He also toured the new flats.
Harare Minister applauds President’s commitment to infrastructure development
Harare Metropolitan Affairs Minister Charles Tavengwa is now giving welcoming remarks.
He said the new flats will play a crucial role in alleviating accommodation challenges within the police services.
Minister Tawengwa applauded President Mnangagwa for his commitment to developing the country’s infrastructure.
He highlighted the projects that the President has commissioned this year, including the Trabablas Interchange and the Geo Pomona Waste Management, among others.
Minister Kazembe introduces President
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe is now giving his speech.
“This milestone development will greatly contribute towards easing accommodation challenges,” said Minister Kazembe.
He said the project attests to President Mnangagwa’s tireless efforts towards motivating Government employees.
“As we gather for this event, it is pleasing to note that the unveiling of accommodation to the people of Zimbabwe, and indeed Government employees, is part of your greater national vision of providing housing for all by 2030, Your Excellency.
“We are, therefore, privileged that one of our departments, the ZRP, has been honoured with these newly constructed flats,” Minister Kazembe said.
Minister Kazembe introduced the guest of honour, President Mnangagwa, to give his speech.
President Mnangagwa unveils Chimoio Camp
President Mnangagwa is now delivering his speech.
“This cantonment area will now be called Chimoio Camp Depot. Today, we also witness the commissioning of residential flats, hereafter called the Chimoio Police Camp Flats,” said the President.
“Colonialism saw the naming of places and institutions being used as a means of dispossession, both physically and psychologically, for asserting dominion over our land and us, its rightful owners.”
President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic has taken a deliberate decision to change the names of numerous strategic national institutions, buildings and streets across the country.
“This bold move is designed for the memorialisation and recognition of our rich liberation history, as well as the prominent figures who helped to shape it.
“In line with our philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, my Government is also determined to foster a sense of unity and national pride by emphasising shared values and heritage. These name changes are an important tool for preserving our heritage; hence, we are ensuring that the choice of names always echoes the correct historical narratives of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
The President said the renaming of Tomlison Depot is coming after the name change of Morris Depot to Mkushi Police Academy.
“The heinous and atrocious events that took place during the First and Second Chimurenga/Umvukela and the personal sacrifices of many sons and daughters of Zimbabwe should never be taken for granted.
“Although some of the experiences evoke painful memories, they should rekindle our fortitude to always defend and safeguard the independence, freedom, unity and peace we now enjoy. The renaming of this depot to Chimoio Camp marks yet another milestone and step towards dismantling the remaining colonial legacies,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the sacrifices made by the gallant sons and daughters, including at Chimoio Camp, should inspire the officers to conduct their duties diligently.
“Through such deliberate initiatives, we are giving our country a truly Zimbabwean identity and memorialising the significance of Chimoio Camp in Mozambique, among other places, and incidents that connect us permanently to the liberation struggle,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged the beneficiaries of the flats to ensure that they are well-maintained.
He has ended his speech.
Police chief thanks President
Police Deputy Commissioner General Elliot Ngirandi is now giving his closing remarks.
In his speech, he applauded the President for his unwavering support and commissioning of the flats.
He said the flats were going to ease accommodation challenges and to improve the morale of officers when discharging their duties.
Deputy Commissioner General Ngirandi also thanked Cabinet Ministers and service chiefs who attended the event.
He assured that beneficiaries will ensure that the flats are maintained.
The programme has ended with the National anthem and a group photo.
