adminSifundiso Ndlovu Chronicle Reporter
War veterans in Matabeleland North have bemoaned the state of the provincial heroes’ acre at Lupane. The site of the heroes’ acre is yet to be pegged and gazetted.
Speaking after the Heroes’ Day commemorations on Monday, war veterans’ provincial chairperson Cde Jonathan Sibanda said they had taken it upon themselves to complete the project.
“As we speak the provincial shrine is not clearly pegged. That has stalled construction of essential structures like the museum,” he said.
Cde Sibanda said they had consulted the office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Matabeleland North to ensure that the site was properly pegged and gazzetted.
“We are happy with the assistance we got from Minister Mathema. We have arranged with the department of physical planning to have a proper map of the site so that it is properly designated,” he said.
Cde Sibanda said he was also concerned about the mix-up on the inscription of the tombs.
He said immediate correctional measures should be taken as it was embarrassing and confusing for the relatives.
Widows had to stop the master of ceremony as he announced the documented list of tombs which were not according to the physical location of tombs.
About 24 heroes are buried at the provincial shrine.
Cde Sibanda said all Zimbabweans should understand the importance of the heroes and why it was necessary to complete the shrine.
“People who are buried at this shrine and other similar heroes’ acres countrywide gave their life to free this country from colonial bondage. This place must be respected. It’s every Zimbabwean’s duty to improve the state of the shrines,” he said.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Ambassador Cain Mathema promised to improve the shrine.
Online Reporter