Sidumisile Mabena
Rutendo Nyeve
A Inter-Ministerial delegation that is in Maphisa, Matabeleland South Province, conducting a progress assessment visit has expressed satisfaction with the pace of preparations for the forthcoming 46th Independence Anniversary celebrations scheduled for next month.
The delegation, which is touring the venue and inspecting key infrastructure projects, includes the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe; Special Advisor to the President Responsible for Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes, Jorum Gumbo; Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona; and Matabeleland South Provincial Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe.
Speaking to the media during the tour, Minister Garwe outlined the mandate of the visit and expressed confidence that the province would meet the April 13 deadline for the completion of all works.
“We are holding a progress report assessment visit in the inter-ministerial visit.
The Minister of Transport is here, the Local Government is here, the Minister of State is here. We are expecting other ministers to be joining us to assess progress on the road rehabilitation programme, progress on the activities that have been done by the
Minister of Local Government in terms of the stadium, in terms of the children’s party facilities, as well as other legacy projects that are going to be commissioned by His Excellency on the 18th of April,” said Minister Garwe.
He acknowledged that while challenges exist, particularly regarding road infrastructure, the technical teams on the ground have assured the committee that the work will be completed in time.
“So far we have covered everything that comes from Bulawayo to where we are now, which is about 20 kilometres from Maphisa venue. There are challenges, yes, in terms of the size of the bridges, which we ca not work on right now. I’m sure the Ministry of Transport will then work on those after the event
But we are hopeful and confident, given the report that we received from the engineers and the Ministry of Transport, that they will be able to rehabilitate the roads so that they are passable by the time we reach the 18th of April,” he said.
Minister Garwe said the target for all preparatory work has been firmly set.
“Our cut-off date in terms of works has been pegged at April 13 this year, before the Independence, and we have been assured by the engineers that they will meet that target. That is what is very important for us at this stage,” he said.
Adding to the sentiments, Special Advisor Jorum Gumbo highlighted the visible progress on the ground, noting that the workforce is fully mobilised to ensure a seamless experience for visitors attending the national event.
“We are inspecting the construction that is taking place, which is a very important section of the roads that lead to the Independence Place where independence celebrations are going to be held.
What we have noticed is that people are on the ground, they are working very hard. I think as we have observed, by the time we come to hold our independence, a lot of work will be completed and people will be able to travel properly to the places,” said Gumbo.
He acknowledged minor setbacks but assured the nation that these would not derail the timeline.
“There are hitches here and there, but I think they are not insurmountable. So we expect that by the 13th of April, there will be quite a lot of improvement along this road,” he said
The team is expected to continue assessing other facilities, including the main stadium and accommodation for guests, as the nation gears up to celebrate its independence in the province.
Online Reporter