Government departments are speeding up infrastructure development in Maphisa as Zimbabwe prepares to mark Independence Day, on 18 April, with the town set to host this year’s national commemorations.
With only weeks remaining, attention has shifted to completing upgrades at the main stadium and finalising legacy projects such as the emerging Isizinda Culture Centre. Officials say work is now happening round the clock to meet deadlines.
In an interview with the media, yesterday, Site Engineer Shawn Mukwamba confirmed that major components of the stadium upgrade are nearing, including turf installation and water drainage systems.
“We are done with the turf; we have installed pipes that will take water from the stadium. Works are now on the terraces, which we have started with the time left. We are putting floodlights to ensure that we work at night so that we meet our deadline,” he said.
Beyond the stadium, construction teams are also pushing ahead with developments at the Isizinda Culture Centre, which is expected to showcase the cultural heritage of the region.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture, Nicholas Moyo, expressed satisfaction with progress at the facility.
“I am so happy with the progress at this culture centre. This culture centre will showcase the culture of the people here; it will depict an original Ndebele homestead,” he said.
Local residents have warmly welcomed the ongoing works, pointing to visible improvements and the economic opportunities expected from hosting the national celebrations.
“We are so happy and grateful that our area will host this year’s Independence. We have already seen massive development. Our area now has a stadium with lawns. It is good for business because a lot of people will be coming. We are happy that our schools have been developed,” said one resident.
Authorities note that preparations extend beyond the main Independence Day event, forming part of a broader suite of legacy projects in Matabeleland South Province. These include the Filabusi Registry, the Gwanda–Maphisa Road, the Bulawayo–Kezi Road, the Plumtree–Maitengwe Road and the construction of 40 science laboratories across the province.
The projects are expected to deliver long-term infrastructure gains, leaving a lasting impact on the province well after the Independence Day celebrations conclude.
