tawandamusarurwa
Sunday Mail Reporters
LOGISITICS for this year’s Independence Day celebrations are at an advanced stage, with over 50 000 people from across the country expected to attend the grand national event slated for Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central Province, on Tuesday.
The 43rd edition of the main independence celebrations will be hosted at a district location for the first time since 1980, as the Second Republic continues to decentralise the April 18 national holiday fete to leave no one and no place behind.
Government has mobilised 226 Zupco buses for the event, with 100 for Mashonaland Central residents, while 40 buses will ferry delegates from other provinces to Mt Darwin. The remaining buses will be used for provincial celebrations.
This year’s Independence Day runs under the theme “Zim@43: Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”.
In an interview with this publication on Friday, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo said preparations were almost complete.
“We started decentralising independence celebrations last year in Bulawayo and it went very well and we are convinced that in Mt Darwin district this year, it will be another huge success. Both technically and politically, we are prepared.
“At this point last year, we were less prepared than we are this year. I am confident and happy with the advanced preparations.”
Minister Moyo commended the Office of the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet for spearheading the preparations diligently.
“This team is frequently visiting the venue to ensure everything is in place.”
The minister added: “This is a National Day and we encourage people to wear their national dresses. A number of outlets to purchase the national fabric have been set up across the province.”
Ministry of Local Government and Public Works’ communications and advocacy director Mr Gabriel Masvora said: “We have mobilised 226 buses, 100 for Mashonaland Central as the host province while 40 buses have been allocated for other provinces to ferry people to Mt Darwin,” he said.
“We are still working on the logistics on how the remaining provinces will share the buses as it will naturally depend on the expected number from each province, distance and other factors. We are expecting more than 50 000 people from across the country, with the venue now ready to host the event.”
Mashonaland Central permanent secretary in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Timothy Maregere, said final touches are being put on the main venue — Mt Darwin High School.
“The stadium lawn is ready for use, tents are being pitched, public lighting and water supply systems have all been completed. The venue is ready to host over 45 000 people but can accommodate more than that. Roads have also been cleared for safe travel,” he said.
Mr Maregere said details for buses’ pickup points are being finalised and will be shared through district development coordinators.
“At least 100 buses have been mobilised, in addition to private transportation that we are providing fuel for. Each of the eight districts in Mashonaland Central has been allocated at least 10 buses.”
Some 1 500 children drawn from all provinces are set to attend the children’s party that will be hosted by the President at Pfura Stadium tomorrow. President Mnangagwa will tomorrow also lead in the planting of at least 43 trees in Mt Darwin.
The Eternal Flame will be at Chibondo tomorrow for a ceremony to be presided over by ZANU PF second secretary Cde Kembo Mohadi and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe, before it proceeds to the venue, where it will be paraded for the main celebrations.
Since Tuesday, the flame — which symbolises the spirit of independence — has passed through Harare, Mazowe, Concession, Glendale, Bindura, Madziva, Dotito and Rushinga.
Online Reporter