The Sunday Mail
Richard Muponde
PREPARATIONS for the 44th National Independence Day celebrations at Murambinda in Buhera district, Manicaland province, are nearing completion, with the Government saying most of the logistics are 90 percent ready.
The grand national celebrations, which will also include a Children’s Party on the eve of Indepedence Day, will be co–hosted by Murambinda A Primary School and Murambinda B Secondary School under the theme “Zim@44: Unity, Peace and Development Towards Vision 2030”.
A visit by The Sunday Mail to Murambinda on Friday revealed that Buhera was abuzz with excitement ahead of the event on April 18.
The district is undergoing massive infrastructural development as several roads have been rehabilitated, with a slew of billboards being erected along roads leading to Murambinda.
A stadium located between the two schools has been constructed to meet top standards, with a new turf having been laid, whilst construction of new terraces and new changing rooms is nearing completion.
A large parking area has also been created around the venue. The two schools have both undergone a major facelift. Both now have three solar-powered boreholes, drilled under the Presidential Borehole Scheme.
Murambinda A Primary School has seen six blocks with a combined 36 classrooms being re-roofed, painted, glazed and fitted with new doors.
Two new classroom blocks are being constructed at the school and are expected to be complete before the celebrations.
Murambinda B Secondary School has benefitted from the construction of science and computer laboratories, with free internet services to be offered.
Two A-Level blocks are also being constructed to enable the school to start enrolling learners for this level.
The primary school also benefitted from a one-hectare orchard, with 44 indigenous trees going to be planted to signify the country’s 44 years of independence, while the other section will accommodate fruit trees.
Each school benefitted from a one-hectare nutrition garden that will be irrigated.
Power utility ZESA has enhanced the electricity supply to the two schools, while TelOne has added new telecommunication lines.
Over 40 solar-powered lights have been erected around the schools.
Hundreds of locals have been employed to work during and after preparations for the event.
There is already a carnival atmosphere in Buhera.
One of the villagers, Mrs Mercy Gwama, from Mhete village, said they could not wait for “the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to witness Independence Day celebrations in their backyard.
“As the people of Buhera, we have been honoured in a big way,” she said. “Such a big event can only happen here once in a lifetime. We are already seeing a boom in business as a lot of people, including top officials, are coming to Murambinda.
“We have also gathered that hotels and lodges are fully booked in Buhera and other areas as far as Chivhu and Hwedza.”
Mr Douglas Vengai from Chimanyi village, who is employed as a casual worker at the venue, said: “You can see for yourselves how our schools have been refurbished. We now have a stadium at Murambinda. Roads leading in and out of Buhera have also been rehabilitated. I have been employed and I am grateful for the opportunity.”
On Friday, Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who was accompanied by several Cabinet ministers, toured the venue and expressed satisfaction with the state of preparations.
VP Mohadi, who is also chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments, said: “The progress that is taking place gives us assurance that on April 18, everything will be ready for us to host our 44th Independence Day celebrations.”
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza said: “Today (Friday), I accompanied Vice President Kembo Mohadi and other Government officials to the venue for this year’s National Independence Day celebrations. The Uhuru preps are nearing completion and have hit the 90 percent mark.”
Manicaland is hosting the National Independence Day celebrations as part of the rotational system that started with Bulawayo in 2022, whilst Mt Darwin hosted the grand national day last year as part of the Second Republic’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
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