Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
PREPARATIONS for this year’s Independence Day main celebrations and the Uhuru Cup are in full swing at the Nembudziya open grounds in Gokwe with stakeholders expressing their excitement and promising an engaging celebration that will showcase the district’s positive aspects and rich heritage.
The celebrations are slated for Gokwe in the Midlands Province in line with President Mnangagwa’s instructive pronouncement that all national calendar events should be devolved as part of the country’s pursuit of the devolution agenda.
Sunday News, spoke to different stakeholders in Gokwe North District on the preparations and expectations of the District Development Co-ordinator (DDC) Mr Martin Musakanda detailed the substantial progress being made at the main venue.
Key among these advancements is the transformation of the football pitch and the track with over 75 percent completion noted in the landscaping efforts.
“We are delighted with our progress at the Nembudziya grounds. Our teams are working diligently to ensure the venue is ready for a significant Independence Day celebration,” stated Mr Musakanda.
He further elaborated on the ongoing construction of essential facilities highlighting that the brickwork for change rooms has reached 60 percent completion, which will provide adequate amenities for participants.
The construction of ablution facilities is also well underway and is at various stages of completion across the five planned units.
“The excavations for the terraces are at 30 percent indicating we are starting to create comfortable viewing areas for attendees. Security and accessibility are also priorities, with fencing installation at 35 percent and the clearing of VIP parking sites at 50 percent.
“Our commitment is to deliver a venue that not only meets the celebratory requirements but also leaves a lasting legacy for our community,” added Mr Musakanda.
National Assembly member for Gokwe-Sesame Constituency Cde Madron Matiza expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming celebrations noting that approximately 100 000 people from both Gokwe North and South are expected to attend.
“We are thrilled to host such a significant event for the first time. We want people to experience Gokwe’s rich resources, including our minerals and wildlife. It’s essential, especially as we recognize our area’s vital role in the liberation struggle for the country’s independence,” said Cde Matiza.
Chief Chireya of Gokwe North also weighed in expressing gratitude to President Mnangagwa for the opportunity to host the celebrations. He believes this event will lead to transformative development for the region.
“We are excited to host this event, which we trust will bring substantial development. Despite some delays in road rehabilitation, the projects underway inspire hope that the celebrations will foster growth in our community,” said the traditional leader.
Ongoing initiatives in Gokwe include the construction of a senior science laboratory at Nembudziya High School where external walls have reached window height.
Additionally, concrete work for domestic labs has been completed and various classroom and administrative block renovations are progressing well.
At Nyamuroro High School, the construction of multiple facilities is also nearing completion.
As Gokwe prepares to make a memorable mark in the national celebrations, the community’s spirit and readiness reflect a shared commitment to highlighting the region’s true narrative and its potential for future development.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the celebrations will open the eyes of the different Government departments and development arms to the challenges that communities face in line with the whole of Government approach that was pronounced by President Mnangagwa.
The President has reiterated the need for the Government to ensure all development issues are taken note of and acted on for the district chosen to host the national celebrations for the calendar events.
