Story by Abigirl Tembo
All is now set for Zimbabwe’s 44th Independence anniversary celebrations, which will begin with a children’s party this Wednesday ahead of the main event on Thursday.
This came out during a post cabinet media briefing in Harare this Tuesday.
The cabinet meeting focused on the national Independence celebrations to be held in Murambinda Buhera, nation-building, and agriculture.
The Minster of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, outlined the significant progress made in preparation for the festivities.
“The nation is being advised that preparations for the Independence Anniversary Celebrations and the Children’s Party are at an advanced stage. The following construction works have been completed: the Main Arena; the terraces for the football pitch; the changing rooms; ablution facilities; the classroom blocks at Murambinda A and B Primary Schools and Murambinda B Secondary School; and painting of the buildings at the three schools.
“Furthermore desludging of the ablution facilities at the three schools including the septic tanks at the Zimbabwe Republic Police at Murambinda; installation of perimeter fencing at Murambinda B Secondary School, and pitching of tents at the main venue. The rehabilitation and grading of the major roads, has been completed. The Masasa-Chirozva-Marange and Marondera-Mushandirapamwe-Wedza roads are nearing complete.”
The celebrations will feature a variety of entertainment options.
“Regarding entertainment during the event, the nation is informed that twenty shortlisted artists have already started signing contracts. The artists include Agatha Murudzwa, Mathias Mhere, Sandra Ndebele, Chief Hwenje, Shantel Sithole, Sulumani Chimbetu, D.J. Fantan, Levels, Mark Ngwazi, Bio Mudimba, Nicholas Zacharia, Simon Mutambi, Big Boy, Andy Muridzo, Jah Master, Tambaoga, Diana Samukange, Tswal Tswai Band, Jairos, Simba and Takura and many others.
“Cabinet advises that that there will be two soccer matches during the celebrations. Simba Bhora from Mashonaland Central province will play Manica Diamonds on 17th April, while Highlanders Football team will play Dynamos Football club on 18th April, 2024,” added Dr Muswere.
Cabinet also reviewed the winter cereal production plan for 2024.
“The targeted area for planting wheat is 120 000 hectares, with an estimated yield of 5.2 metric tonnes per hectare, and estimated production of 624 000 metric tonnes. The targeted area for planting barley is 7 000 hectares, with an estimated yield of 6 metric tonnes per hectare, and estimated production of 42 000 metric tonnes. The targeted area for maize/sorghum is 3 250 (hectares), with an estimated yield of 3.0 metric tonnes per hectare, and estimated production of 9 750 metric tonnes.
“Meanwhile, wheat planting has commenced in someareas, with various contractors having indications of 123 500 hectares out of the targeted 120 000 hectares. The wheat farmers clusters have been submitted to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority for ring-fencing of electricity and water respectively. The bulk of the winter maize/sorghum production will be produced in regions 4 and 5, while potatoes will be planted in winter in warmer areas and during August on the high-veld. There are nine production and productivity enablers and these are: power; water seed; fertilizer; fuel surveillance of migratory pests; farmer outstanding payments; finance; and coordination, monitoring and evaluation,” said Dr Muswere.
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka assured the nation that food-insecure households will receive government support, regardless of political affiliation.
The briefing also highlighted progress on other government projects, including the refurbishment of the National Sports Stadium in Harare and the modernisation of ZBC’s Montrose TV studios, Khulumani, and central radio stations.
