Independence Day preps spawn development in Buhera

Samuel Kadungure in MURAMBINDA

PREPARATIONS for this year’s national Independence Day celebrations at Murambinda in Buhera district have spawned massive development, including road rehabilitation and drilling of boreholes, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has said.

She was speaking during the provincial independence and drug and substance abuse prayer meeting, also attended by the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC), at Murambinda yesterday.

“We want to thank the President for walking the talk on leaving no one and no place behind in the development thrust,” she said. “The decision to decentralise the Independence Day celebrations has culminated in the development of key rural infrastructure, chief among them the Murambinda-Birchenough Road. There is no district with as many boreholes as Buhera,” she said

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also Zanu PF’s National Chairperson, said the abundant water supply will boost income-generating projects for the people of Buhera.

“Efforts are being made to establish village business units and piped water schemes. Zinwa (Zimbabwe National Water Authority)  has plans to establish 1 250ha under irrigation, drawing water from Marovanyati Dam,” she said.

After the President’s declaration that no one will die of hunger, she added, some people in Buhera had already started to receive food assistance.

“These are benefits you will continue to enjoy even after the Independence Day celebrations,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.

She further said the Government is revamping the Dorowa Minerals plant in Buhera to boost basal fertiliser production.

Due to its proximity to Mozambique, Manicaland contributed immensely to the independence of the country.

“Manicaland is home to our nationalists and gallant fighters who include Cde (Herbert) Chitepo, Cde (William) Ndangana, Amai Sakupwanya, Cde Maurice Nyagumbo, Cde (Kumbirai) Kangai, Cde  (Edgar)Tekere, Cde (Kenneth) Manyonda and Cde Nevison Nyashanu,” she said. “Many people died, and almost every household suffered and sacrificed for the liberation of this country.”

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the decision to host the Independence Day celebrations was carefully considered to honour the people of Buhera and the Dzapasi National Monument, which was the largest assembly point where liberation fighters gathered to disarm ahead of independence.

“Some wanted the Independence Day celebrations in Mutare, but we said no, it should go to Buhera, which has stood resolutely behind Zanu PF,” she said.

“The people of Buhera are not sellouts; they chose to stick with Zanu PF.”

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri exhorted churches to preach against drug and substance abuse, as it destroyed society.

ZIICC official Bishop Anismo Goronga said the church was in full support of the Government’s anti-drugs and substance abuse campaign.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland Advocate Misheck Mugadza, Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, Zanu PF Provincial Chairman Cde Tawanda Mukodza and legislators from Buhera attended the meeting.

The celebrations, to be held at Murambinda B High School, will run under the theme “Zim@44: Unity, Peace and Development Towards Vision 2030”.