Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Watervlei Burial Park project is taking shape along Seke Road, with developers injecting over US$3,8 million into the first phase of a development that will establish a final resting place for an estimated 8,000 liberation war heroes currently buried in unmarked graves in neighbouring countries.
The 80-hectare project is set to provide dignified burial spaces for war veterans while creating over 200 jobs for residents. The development comes as Harare’s existing cemeteries face increasing pressure and burial space at the Provincial Heroes Acre at Warren Hills Cemetery fast runs out.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Watervlei Burial Park project manager Mr Ismail Nanabawa said the first phase of construction, which began in late 2024, was progressing well, with the project expected to be operational by the final quarter of this year.
“In terms of total investment for the whole Watervlei Burial Park, we’re looking at investing US$3,8 million for the first phase of the project,” said Mr Nanabawa. “This includes everything, bearing in mind we are putting a massive fence around the entire site. We have a major plant as part of rehabilitating the ground to plant close to 1,000 trees.”
Mr Nanabawa highlighted that significant costs were being incurred in rehabilitating the site, which had been severely degraded by illegal dumping and sand poaching.
“What has taken us, I can’t put it in words exactly how much time and effort has gone into rehabilitating the sites. When I say illegal dumping, people often think it’s just a smoker, but some of these are higher than this gazebo. So that’s a significant cost for us,” he said.
The developer revealed that it had taken two years to fill pits on the site, bringing in better material and compacting it before construction could commence.
“The main portion of the works or the highest cost will be the roads. We have an irrigation system we have to build. We have the herse ways we have to build,” Mr Nanabawa added. “We also have the traffic circle, or depending on the Ministry of Transport’s final approval, whether we are building access lanes or traffic lights, we have a significant development to do on the intersection as well.”
The project has received support from the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) and MOZAST (The Memories of Zimbabwe’s Armed Struggle Trust), both critical stakeholders in ensuring the recognition and dignified treatment of the country’s liberation heroes.
Developers have allocated 8,000 graves specifically for war veterans on a dedicated site within the park. This allocation was made by way of donation to MOZAST in acknowledgement of the sacrifice and service of those who fought for the country’s Independence.
“An estimated 30,000 Zimbabwean war veterans are buried outside of the country in unmarked graves and even mass graves, some 45 years after the country’s liberation struggle,” a statement from the developers said.
“The recently tabled Reburial and Memorialisation Bill, once passed, will enable the Government to formally collaborate with the War Veterans, churches, traditional leaders, and families in a structured and well-resourced reburial programme.”
The developers will construct a War Veterans Archway to mark the entrance to the dedicated area and will also provide a Museum within the Remembrance Village to enable MOZAST to showcase this legacy for future generations.
