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Fungai Lupande
Mash Central Bureau
A historic Independence Day celebration beckons in Mt Darwin, with preparations for the day to be observed at Mt Darwin High School on course and at an advanced stage.
The major groundwork on the stadium is complete, while construction of changing rooms and public toilets is almost there.
A perimeter fence has been erected around the stadium and the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency is now working on roads in Mt Darwin District for easy access to the venue.
Speaking at a preparatory meeting, Mr Emmanuel Chisanduro encouraged the people in the district to travel to the venue and witness the Independence Day celebrations.
“We are working on the Matope-Chatumbama, Mutondwe, Chogumaira, Nyakasikana, Tsakare-Tabex roads to ensure that all rural roads are trafficable,” he said.
“Our complementary staff is working on culverts. We want everyone in the district to be able to travel to the venue and witness the event.”
Meanwhile, pothole patching on the Harare-Mt Darwin Road has started and there are plans to upgrade the road after the Independence Day celebrations.
The Harare-Mazowe stretch is being done by Exodus and Company, the Mazowe-Bindura part is being done by Bitumen World and Bindura-Mt Darwin is being done by CMED.
Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe provincial manager Mr Lucious Mujuru said 43 fruit trees, including mango, orange, naartjie, guava and lemon, will be planted on the day.
The hute or mukute (Syzygium cordatum) tree will also be planted.
Mashonaland Central Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Timothy Maregere said progress on preparatory work for the celebrations was commendable.
“We started preparations in March from scratch,” he said. “Now, the stadium has the lawn and we are constructing a standard stadium. Construction of changing rooms for soccer players and public toilets is almost complete. We are happy with the progress and we are on schedule.
“A perimeter fence has been erected around the stadium. We are the first rural province to host the Independence Day celebrations. Mt Darwin is where the first shots of the second Chimurenga were fired at Alterna Farm in 1972.
“The Second Republic’s agenda of going where the people are is commendable.”
Mr Maregere said the business economy of Mt Darwin had already started to improve because of the increased activity in the area.
The contractors working on all aspects of the preparations are local and youths are being employed to provide labour.
“The stadium is going to be a legacy for the district,” said Mr Maregere.
“The New Dispensation talks about infrastructure development and we are witnessing it in Mt Darwin. We are looking forward to attracting premier league football teams to utilise this stadium for matches.
“We invite all Zimbabweans to come to Mt Darwin and hear first-hand information about the liberation struggle. Come and enjoy the hospitality of the people of Mt Darwin.”
Zanu PF Central Committee member, Dr Lazarus Dokora, said this year’s Independence Day celebrations would leave a transformative mark in the history of the province in general and Mt Darwin District in particular.
Dr Dokora said the event would see a permanent difference in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra that “none and no place will be left behind”.
“We have a wealth of culture in the province from Mafuwe dances, to traditional music,” he said.
“The most indigenous value system and authentic cultural renaissance are located in this province.
“The Independence Day celebrations are an opportunity for people in the province to showcase their culture. In diversity, we are one and we are strong.
“We are confident that the President will be happy to be here. The stadium may not look like the National Sports Stadium, but we have natural beauty and scenic views.
“To those who will follow live proceedings, good luck, but you will miss out on being in this space with His Excellency President Mnangagwa.”
Mt Darwin District development co-ordinator Mr White Nkoma said the stadium was designed by a local engineer, Engineer Emson Chitsungo.
He said at Chibondo shrine and the district Heroes’ Acre, works were being done to spruce up the areas where the eternal flame will be lit by President Mnangagwa.
“The event has brought economic development to local businesses,” said Mr Nkoma.
“The biggest development is the stadium which will remain a legacy for the people in Mt Darwin.
“Our children who are doing mass displays have been exposed to better opportunities and are motivated to do better. We are not left behind as Mt Darwin.”
Chief Kandeya said traditional processes, including brewing of beer to appease ancestral spirits, had already been done.
“The Independence Day celebration is the first national event of its kind to be done in Mt Darwin and the ancestral spirits are informed so that calm and tranquillity can prevail,” he said.
“We cannot go ahead without informing the ancestors even if we cannot see them. Chibondo shrine is at the hearts of the people of Mt Darwin and Mashonaland Central province.
“People from various areas in the country are buried at the shrine. We want these people to be properly buried.”
Online Reporter