Strict health protocols for Uhuru celebrations

Emmanuel Kafe

STRICT public health protocols will be enforced during the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations at Murambinda, Manicaland province, next month to prevent the spread of cholera.

Following recommendations from health officials, a key measure will involve replacing on-site food preparation with pre-packaged meals provided by private companies.

This measure is aimed at mitigating the risk of a cholera outbreak associated with mass gatherings and improper sanitation.

The development comes as preparations for the festivities have progressed smoothly, with approximately 55 percent of the groundwork complete. The Independence Day celebrations will be held at Murambinda B High School, Buhera, on April 18, in line with the Government’s drive to decentralise key national programmes and events.

More than 70 000 people are expected to attend the celebrations.

Murambinda A Primary School will host the children’s party on April 17.

This year’s commemorations will be held under the theme “Zim@44: Unity, Peace and Development Towards Vision 2030”.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Misheck Mugadza said: “Overall, work is progressing well. On the access roads, particularly the Birchenough-Murambinda Road, about 10 kilometres have been completed.

“Other access roads will be addressed soon. Turf is being laid on the new football pitch, which is a key development.”

Minister Mugadza said the authorities mobilised about 100 buses to transport people to the festivities, “although we require more, ideally 400 buses”.

He added: “Regarding food, private companies will be engaged to provide packed meals as cooking will not be permitted based on health officials’ advice.”

Minister Mugadza said he was confident that all targets will be met if work progressed as planned.

“The cooperation from our stakeholders — especially local authorities, other public institutions, Government departments and agencies that are providing the technical expertise, as well as corporate entities and individuals — is enormous,” he said.

Minister Mugadza said critical utilities such as water and electricity were already available at the venue.

“Preventive measures and health safety protocols, including the sinking of a borehole and installation of toilets, have been implemented despite the decline of cholera cases in the province,” he said.

Several musicians, among them sungura ace Alick Macheso and Suluman Chimbetu, are scheduled to perform during the Independence Day Gala.

A football match pitting the country’s two biggest clubs — Dynamos and Highlanders — will also be part of the entertainment.