Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
PREPARATIONS for this year’s national Independence Day celebrations have accelerated, with construction materials and equipment now on site.
Workers are upgrading access roads to facilitate travel to and from Gokwe North.
This year’s celebrations will take place at Nembudziya Growth Point Open Ground in Gokwe North, under the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together towards Vision 2030.”
Organisers expect the April 18th celebrations to draw over 60, 000 people from all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe. The Second Republic introduced a rotational system for hosting the Uhuru celebrations, and last year, Murambinda in Buhera hosted the event.
In an interview with Zimpapers Politics Hub, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Owen Ncube, said preparations are progressing well.
“We have received materials and equipment is now on site. We are working diligently to complete all access roads to Gokwe South within the next 30 days.
“We are improving the Kwekwe-Chitekete Road and all access roads leading to the venue. Additionally, we are drilling boreholes and planting lawn on the soccer pitch, which will host the Independence match. Everything is proceeding according to plan.”
As per tradition, the Children’s Party will precede the main celebrations on April 17th at Nyamuroro High School, followed by the Independence Gala at Nembudziya Government High School on the eve of April 18th.
On Monday, Minister Ncube presided over a preparatory meeting in the Midlands province to assess preparations for the grand national event.
At the meeting, it was revealed that the venue and access roads have been revamped, whilst over 200 beasts have been secured.
Also, transport arrangements are in place to accommodate the tens of thousands of people that will throng Gokwe North.
The national Independence Day celebrations are expected to usher in massive developmental projects for Gokwe Nembudziya, including infrastructure upgrades on roads, clinics, schools and network base stations.
Construction of legacy projects is underway at the main arena in Gokwe North Open Grounds, the gala site at Nembudziya Government High School, and the Children’s Party venue at Nyamuroro High School.
To transport delegates to the venues, the Government has mobilised over 369 buses for equitable distribution across the country’s provinces.
The First Family will host 3,050 child delegates at Nyamuroro High School on April 17th. Child delegates will arrive at Nyamuroro High School on April 15 and depart on April 19.
Highlights of the events leading up to the celebrations include the customary torch relay and the lighting of the Independence Flame en route to the main venue. A diverse group of artists and dance groups from Kwekwe, Gokwe, and other districts will perform during the celebrations.
Simba Bhora and FC Platinum football clubs, the top two teams in the Premier League last season, will play during the main Independence Day Anniversary celebrations.
Herentals Queens and Black Rhinos Football Clubs will play during the Children’s Party celebrations. Last year, Dynamos and Highlanders played during the Uhuru celebrations in Buhera.
