Special cemetery for war vets

Joseph Madzimure

THE Harare City Council has approved a plan to establish a special cemetery on 77 hectares for the burial of veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation war.

This comes at a time when burial space at the Provincial Heroes Acre at Warren Hills Cemetery is fast running out.

Memories of Zimbabwe’s Armed Struggle Trust (MOZAST), in partnership with Watervlei Burial Park, has identified a site on the southern outskirts of the city.

In a statement, MOZAST spokesperson Cde Richard Chirongwe said the project is aimed at honouring the sacrifices made by war veterans.

“We are proud to announce a partnership with Watervlei Burial Park, a state-of-the-art cemetery development located just 11 kilometres from Harare’s city centre,” said Cde Chirongwe.

“As part of this collaboration, Watervlei Burial Park has reserved a special section, the War Veterans Memorial Garden, to provide dignified burial spaces for these heroes.

“MOZAST is deeply grateful for this opportunity to partner with Watervlei Burial Park. The initiative will ensure that the contributions of war veterans to Zimbabwe’s freedom are never forgotten.”

A key feature of the War Veterans Memorial Garden will be a war museum showcasing the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation war.

“This museum will serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Zimbabwe’s freedom fighters,” said Cde Marongwe.

“With Government’s assistance, MOZAST and Watervlei Burial Park are committed to accommodating the remains of freedom fighters currently buried on foreign soil. This project is not limited to Harare, but will spread to Bulawayo and other cities.”

Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama confirmed that the council had given the nod for the project subject to the completion of other regulatory processes.

“Council granted a permit for the cemetery. That permit has several conditions, one of which requires the preparation and approval of an Environmental Impact Assessment by EMA before any burials are done,” he said.