Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
SIGNIFICANT progress has been recorded in the construction and rehabilitation of key infrastructure in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, where works at Maphisa Open Grounds, the venue for this year’s 46th National Independence Day celebrations are progressing well.
The infrastructure drive, which includes the construction of a stadium, road networks, and school upgrades, has transformed the district into a hive of activity.
These projects reflect the Second Republic’s commitment to its devolution agenda and its philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
Speaking in an interview, the Member of Parliament for Matobo Constituency and Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Cde Edgar Moyo, said while building works are on track, there is an urgent need to address the road network.
“Independence preparations are going on well and regarding the ongoing projects in Maphisa, I believe things are moving quite well. We are pleased with the execution of key infrastructure such as laboratories, the stadium and classroom blocks; those are all progressing as planned,” said Cde Moyo.
At the Maphisa Open Grounds, the stadium is rapidly taking shape. The facility will feature modern terraces and an international-standard athletics track.
Work is concentrated on the playing surface.
Once the pitch is finalised, the construction team will shift focus to the spectator terraces, which will house public seating areas as well as specialised sections for VIP and VVIP guests.
The project also includes significant masonry work to provide essential amenities for the national event.
Additionally, three admission blocks are being constructed for the general public, alongside a dedicated VIP entrance and a modern changing room facility for athletes and officials.
However, Cde Moyo lamented the state of the roads, noting that the transport corridor is a critical component for a successful national event.
“We must acknowledge that we are a bit behind schedule on the roads, specifically the Bulawayo-Maphisa Road. From our observations, we need to quicken our pace and intensify work there to ensure the road is completed before Independence Day,” he said.
Responding to these concerns, the Government has since moved to accelerate the rehabilitation of the 114km Bulawayo-Kezi Road by engaging additional contractors to support Zada Construction Company, which was initially awarded the contract.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, confirmed that the strategy aims to broaden contractor participation to ensure works are finished well ahead of April 18.
“Government has engaged more contractors to work on the Bulawayo-Kezi Road so that rehabilitation works are completed in time for the Independence Day celebrations that our province will proudly host,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
Matabeleland South Provincial Roads Engineer, Mr Mangisi Nkomo, provided a technical breakdown, stating that the project involves both full-scale reconstruction and surface rehabilitation.
“A total of 63 kilometres will undergo road reconstruction while other sections will receive asphalt overlaying and resealing, depending on the extent of damage,” Mr Nkomo said.
The first 20 kilometres from Bulawayo to the provincial boundary will be handled by a single contractor, while others will work on sections extending through Matopos National Park to the Kezi Business Centre.
Beyond the road works, the Maphisa Open Grounds stadium is taking shape, complemented by massive upgrades at local schools. Mahetshe Primary School, the venue for the Children’s Party, has eight classroom blocks under construction, eight modern teachers’ cottages, and two ECD blocks.
Meanwhile, Mahetshe Secondary School, which will host the Independence Day Music Gala, will have a new 700-seater hall, an Advanced Level block, two science laboratories, and an administration block.
Matabeleland South becomes the latest province to host the celebrations under the rotational system, following Bulawayo (2022), Mashonaland Central (2023), Manicaland (2024), and the Midlands (2025).
