Midlands steps up Uhuru bash preps

Patrick Chitumba

The Midlands Province has intensified preparations for hosting this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Gokwe North, with the Zanu PF provincial leadership aiming to draw a crowd of at least 100 000 people.

The 45th Independence celebrations will take place at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe North.

In preparation for the event, Government has instructed relevant departments to upgrade key infrastructure, including the Kadoma-Sanyati-Nembudziya Road that leads to the venue, thus accelerating the already planned development in the area.

The move is part of the Government’s efforts to promote inclusive development across the country, aligning with the devolution thrust and President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.

Addressing the Zanu PF Midlands Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting held over the weekend in Gweru, Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution,Owen Ncube, said over 100 000 people were expected to attend the Uhuru festivities with transport and food arrangements confirmed.

The province is also mobilising more than 150 cows for the event, and mobilisation efforts are set to commence across all eight administrative districts, he said.

Minister Ncube, who is the Zanu PF Midlands Provincial Secretary for Security, said Gokwe North as the host would benefit from significant infrastructural development done ahead of the celebrations.

 In terms of roads, there will be improved road networks to enhance connectivity, making travel safer and more efficient for residents and visitors alike, he said.

Minister Ncube said the solar powered boreholes planned for the area would be drilled so that access to clean water is boosted, supporting both household and agricultural needs, potentially increasing agricultural production.

In terms of power, he said the Government was going to bring electricity to more areas to spur economic activities, support education, and improve healthcare services.

 “New or upgraded educational facilities will be constructed to provide a better learning environment for children leading to higher literacy rates and educational attainment,” said the Minister.

“There will also be improved healthcare infrastructure ensure better health services, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.”

Minister Ncube said the developments will not only cater for the immediate demands of the celebrations but will also establish a foundation for long-term growth and prosperity in Gokwe North, nurturing a vibrant, self-sustaining community towards achieving President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.

 While Gokwe North district will be the primary beneficiary of these projects, neighbouring districts, including Gokwe South, will also receive support, he said.

Addressing the same meeting, Zanu PF Midlands Province chairperson, Cde Edson Chiherenge, said a call to action was made for collective mobilisation ahead of the Independence Day celebrations set to be hosted at Nembudziya.

“As a province we would like to express our gratitude to President Mnangagwa for the honour bestowed upon Midlands to host this significant national event,” he said.

Cde Chiherenge called on the province to maintain discipline and foster peace within the party ranks in the province.