Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE Mashonaland West Provincial Heroes Acre in Chinhoyi has been earmarked to undergo a major facelift, with the first phase scheduled to be completed within 21 days.
Famous for the 1966 Chinhoyi Battle, involving the brave seven heroes, Mashonaland West Provincial Heroes Acre remains a sacred resting place for some of the country’s gallant sons and daughters.
Being a place of national remembrance and honour, the facility is set to undergo a massive transformation aimed at uplifting the site’s infrastructure and status.
The development, being coordinated by the Ministry of Defence, will see the construction of modern ablution facilities, a guard room, and a parlour for mourners, while a perimeter fencing is also set to be erected as explained by the project coordinator, Lieutenant Colonel Tichaona Masanganise, “The works have commenced today and are expected to be completed in the next 21 days. The uplift will be conducted in three phases. The first phase includes the installation of a perimeter wall, installation of four 5,000-litre tanks, lighting, construction of a guard room, and revamping of quarter guard saluting dice and modern ablution facilities. The second phase will see the construction of a parlour and revamping of the Seven Heroes Monument located a few hundred metres from the shrine, while the third phase includes the concentration on the upgrade of a 40-ha military cemetery adjacent to the shrine.”
Addressing the media and stakeholders during the ground-breaking ceremony in Chinhoyi this Tuesday, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo commended the initiative meant to transform the shrine into a historical tourism site.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Defence working in collaboration its partners. The development that will take place here reflects how we value our history and culture, and how we honour the freedom fighters of this country, including Cde David Guzuzu, Arthur Maramba, Christopher Chatambudza, Simon Chingozha Nyandoro, Godfrey Manyerenyere, Godwin Dube, and Chubby Savanhu. What is happening here serves as a testament to the power of a whole of government and stakeholder approach in solving our own problems. This place will become a recognised tourist destination for both international and local visitors in Zimbabwe. It will also serve as a learning space for schools and young people, where they will be taught the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation,” she said.
Government, through the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, has already initiated the development and preservation of national sites across the country.
Meanwhile, the seven heroes who died in the Chinhoyi battle include Christopher Chatambudza, Simon Chingozha, Godwin Dube (also known as Godfrey Manyerenyere), Chubby Sawana, Arthur Maramba, David Guzuzu, and Swazini Ndlovu (also known as Godfrey Dube).
