adminManicaland Correspondent
The Mutare Department of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) has spruced up the Manicaland Provincial Heroes’ Acre ahead of the Heroes Day commemorations slated for August 13. Mutare Museum’s marketing executive, Mr Lloyd Makonya, said the work included the rehabilitation of graves, landscaping and grass cutting in preparation for this year’s celebrations.
“Although the Department of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe did not receive any notable funding from Treasury for the rehabilitation of provincial heroes’ acres this year, some work has been carried out through the efforts of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association’s Manicaland chapter and families of the deceased who have come forward to assist,” he said.
The chapter mobilised resources such as cement, river sand and quarry stones from well-wishers for the rehabilitation of graves at the provincial shrine.
“This year’s graves rehabilitation programme included fitting concrete slabs on 15 graves,” said Mr Makonya. “NMMZ, however, continues to bemoan the considerable delay in the placement of polished granite tombstones due to lack of funds and the high cost of material.”
NMMZ is also carrying the burden of unimplemented projects such as the provision of water, ablution facilities, electricity, terracing for public seating and an improved interpretation centre.
Mr Makonya said the Mutare Museum would put up a temporary display of biographies of heroes and heroines interred at the shrine, as part of their mandate.
At least 294 heroes – 248 men and 46 women – are interred at the Manicaland provincial heroes acre.
Online Reporter