Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
Senior Reporter
MANY legacy projects have been identified for Mwenezi District in Masvingo Province ahead of the 47th Independence Day national celebrations, which will be held at Rutenga Growth Point next year.
These include stalled projects, devolution-funded initiatives and new legacy projects, among them the construction and rehabilitation of roads, the refurbishment of war heritage sites and the upgrading of provincial and district Heroes Acres.
The initiatives seek to improve the livelihoods of local communities while ensuring that areas hosting national events benefit from lasting socio-economic development.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Government would intensify resource mobilisation to fund and complete legacy projects across all provinces as part of efforts to improve livelihoods and promote inclusive national development.
The 47th Independence Celebrations will be held at Rutenga Growth Point in Mwenezi District.
“Accordingly, Government identified various projects which will be implemented as part of the Legacy projects for the 2027 Independence Celebrations,” said Minister Soda.
“The projects include 13 stalled projects that need to be completed, 54 devolution projects and new legacy projects to be implemented in the host district, Mwenezi”.
Among the legacy projects is construction of a 16 000-seater stadium, changing rooms and ablution facilities; construction and furnishing of 16 science laboratories and 39 satellite schools; equipping and solarising computer laboratories; rehabilitation of Liberation War heritage sites including Hurodzevasikana battle site; and provincial and district heroes acres; the construction of 10 houses for veterans of the Liberation Struggle in Mwenezi District; and the construction of a youth service and vocational training centre, among others.
Government will also undertake road rehabilitation and construction works including the Rutenga-Boli-Sango road of 150 kilometres; Ngundu-Tanganda, 45 kilometres; and Rutenga-Zvishavane, 84,2km, among others, and will continue the ongoing works to complete the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road, 34 kilometres, and Makwi-Neshuro Road, 12 kilometres.
“In addition, Government, through the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency and partners, will drill 105 boreholes, install 40 pumps, install 50 solar-powered water schemes, maintain 1 500 boreholes and, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, establish 21 village business units,” said Minister Soda.
“The Nation is informed that Government will undertake robust resource mobilisation and will continue to implement legacy projects across all provinces, in order to transform and improve the livelihoods of citizens, making sure that no one and no place is left behind.”
The rotation of Independence Day and Children’s Party Celebrations has seen Harare Province hosting in 2021, Bulawayo in 2022, Mashonaland Central in 2023, Manicaland in 2024, the Midlands last year and Matabeleland South this year.
The goal of these events is to drive infrastructure growth and spotlight development in the targeted provinces.
This year, the Independence celebrations were held in Maphisa, Matabeleland South, with the Government implementing and completing various projects.
