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Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]

CONTRACTORS have moved on site to start major roads rehabilitation among other key infrastructure development projects in Nembudziya, Gokwe North District as the Midlands province fine-tunes preparations for the hosting of Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Day celebrations on April 18.

President Mnangagwa will lead the national celebrations expected to attract more than 100 000 people.

This is a departure from the past when Harare used to host all the national events. The Second Republic embraced devolution and directed that national events such as independence celebrations be rotated across provinces as part of the administration’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind.

The independence celebrations usually provide a platform for the country’s leadership and the masses to reflect on the country’s achievements and challenges since independence in 1980.

Rotating the independence celebrations ensures that all provinces enjoy legacy projects that come with hosting the main celebrations.

The Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube on Saturday, visited Nembudziya to assess progress in the preparations to host the national event.

Work on the main site has started and it was a hive of activity as tipper trucks, compactors, and other heavy machinery moved back and forth.

Roads leading to Nembudziya from Kadoma as well as from Gokwe Town are also being rehabilitated to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

In an interview in Nembudziya, Minister Ncube said preparations for the big event were progressing well.

“We are here in Nembudziya area in Gokwe North to see progress being made at the main site and we have mobilised tipper trucks and other earth moving equipment to make sure that we are ready to host over 100 000 people. We are happy to welcome President Mnangagwa who will grace the event,” he said.

President Mnangagwa

Minister Ncube highlighted the district’s potential benefits from playing host to the national celebration which include rehabilitations of roads among others. He said the host district is already enjoying benefits of Government’s infrastructure development which include building of schools, clinics, solar-powered boreholes, rural electrification and road construction.

“The hosting of the national celebrations in Nembudziya is a testament to the Government’s commitment to “leaving no one and no place behind,” said Ncube.

Meanwhile, the Zanu PF Midlands Provincial leadership is taking a bold step to connect with the grassroots by embarking on a massive outreach programme that will see them cover an impressive 600 districts across the province this month.

The outreach started in Gokwe North District where the leadership this weekend addressed 90 districts.

This outreach programme is not just about spreading the party’s message of unity, development and progress but is also about reporting back on key resolutions made by the party at the National People’s Conference in Bulawayo last year.

Midlands provincial party chairperson Cde Edson Chiherenge said the leadership has been put in groups, which will be going to every ward to meet with the grassroots.

“Additionally, the teams will be discussing preparations for the upcoming National Independence Day commemorations and sharing insights on effective social media use,” he said.

Cde Chiherenge said the provincial leadership is committed to engaging with the party members and every citizen in driving socio-economic development in the province.