Online Reporter
George Maponga-Masvingo Bureau
THE Masvingo Provincial Heroes Acre is set for a major facelift to enhance its aesthetic appeal and ensure that the country’s heroes and heroines are honoured in a dignified manner.
The shrine, located next to Masvingo City’s Hillside Extension suburb, has 94 graves of heroes and heroines, most of whom played significant roles in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
In an interview, National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) regional director, Mr Lovemore Mandima, said the facelift will not only improve the site’s appearance and boost tourism, but also enhance security at the shrine.
“The Government has approved the final plans for the facelift of Masvingo Provincial Heroes Acre and we expect work to start soon,” he said.
“The project will entail improving security at the facility through the erection of a perimeter fence to better protect the site.
“We also intend to install water-borne ablution facilities and construct a large shed to accommodate visitors and crowds during official state events, such as Heroes Day commemorations.
“Everything is now set for work to begin, and we are optimistic that the new-look facility will befit the status of a Provincial Heroes Acre.”
Mr Mandima commended the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa for prioritising the dignity of the nation’s fallen heroes by upgrading shrines across the country, where their remains are interred.
He said memorialisation efforts were crucial in remembering the gallant sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives to liberate Zimbabwe from colonial rule.
As part of this broader exercise, the Government has also embarked on the upgrading of other key liberation war sites.
One such place is Kamungoma Farm, now home to a Liberation War Shrine honouring the 104 villagers and one freedom fighter massacred by Rhodesian forces during a night vigil in 1978.
Located about 75km south-east of Mpandawana Growth Point, the upgraded Kamungoma Shrine has since been declared a national monument.
