Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu, [email protected]
THE hosting of this year’s national Independence Day celebrations in Gokwe North District, Midlands Province, will leave a lasting impression with transformative projects that have never been seen before, as the Second Republic walks the talk in driving inclusive development across the country.
In the spirit of decentralisation and devolution, the rotational hosting of national events introduced by President Mnangagwa has become an equaliser and a model for ensuring that no one and no place is left behind in terms of participation in national programmes and projects.
For Gokwe North District, which is set to host this year’s main Independence event to be led by President Mnangagwa in the Nembudziya area, this is a grand moment for the rural community to strongly reflect on the gains of the liberation struggle, said local Member of the House of Assembly, Honourable Spencer Tshuma.
He highlighted the massive job opportunities for youths involved in key development projects ahead of the event, such as the rehabilitation of roads and the refurbishment of public infrastructure, among other quick wins.
The drilling of boreholes across the district and the creation of business units aimed at benefitting local communities will have an impact beyond Uhuru Day, said the legislator.
“This is a lifetime event and it’s a rare opportunity. We are fortunate to be the third district to host the celebrations since the rotation began,” he said.
“This opportunity has come with significant benefits for the district.”
For Hon Tshuma, hosting the national celebrations is not just a symbolic event but a catalyst for tangible development in the area.
He said his constituency was expected to receive around 40 boreholes under the scheme, with two already completed at Nyamuroro Kubatana High School and Nembudziya Government High School, where the major events will be celebrated.
The boreholes, equipped with solar panels, tanks and fencing, will support local agricultural enterprises by providing reliable water access for production.
Hon Tshuma said this is not only providing new infrastructure but also helping to rehabilitate approximately 38 old boreholes that previously relied on outdated bush pumps. The new solar-powered boreholes will ensure long-term sustainability and contribute to the district’s agricultural business development.
The district is also benefitting from other projects, including the construction of new infrastructure such as classroom blocks at schools, administration buildings, and a new police station at Nembudziya.
There are also ongoing projects to build a mortuary at Nembudziya and a state-of-the-art stadium, which will further boost the district’s capacity to host future events like this one and improve the lives of locals.
“The hosting of these celebrations is not just a national event but a reflection of the Government’s commitment to development. It is bringing about lasting changes in the community,” said Hon Tshuma.
He noted the construction and refurbishment efforts, particularly the improvement of key roads, such as the Nembudziya-Sanyati-Kadoma Road, which was previously in poor condition, but is now being rehabilitated ahead of the event.
Cde Edson Chiherenge, Zanu-PF Midlands provincial chairman, also praised President Mnangagwa’s leadership, emphasising how the rotation of Independence celebrations reflects the tangible impact of the Second Republic’s policies.
“The President’s leadership has been fulfilling, as it brings real, visible development to the people. Over 70 percent of the preparations have been completed,” he said.
“The hosting of the celebrations has brought jobs for our youth, the drilling of more than 160 boreholes and the building of infrastructure.”
Cde Chiherenge reiterated the significance of these projects in fulfilling President Mnangagwa’s promises.
“All these contribute to the President’s vision of uplifting every part of the country. This is a celebration of both national unity and tangible progress,” he added.
As the celebrations approach, the Gokwe community is brimming with excitement and anticipation. The Independence event, while marking a historic occasion, has become a symbol of lasting change and progress for the district, and locals are looking forward to not only a memorable celebration but also a more prosperous and well-developed district due to the opportunities and infrastructure brought by the event.
