The Sunday News
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE War Veterans Bulawayo Chapter is appealing for funds to complete the construction of the first ever Revolutionary Multi-purpose Centre at the ex-freedom fighters’ provincial offices in Entumbane suburb.
The project, being spearheaded by association’s Bulawayo Province and local businesspeople is set to be completed at a cost of US$50 000.
Provincial Secretary for Information and Publicity Cde Christopher Sibanda said the project will have vital information about the liberation struggle.
“We will have an information centre where all details of the liberation struggle will be available for those who would want to know. We need computers and furniture for the information centre so that information can be easily accessed and an Internet connection. We do have electricity but our current office is not even connected as we are short of a few cables. We are inviting all businesspeople to be involved in this project so that it is completed early and be of use to the community and the country at large,” said Cde Sibanda.
The project will be done in phases. The first phase which is already underway will see the laying of a foundation. A perimeter fence of about 450 metres is also needed while a borehole whose site has already been identified will cost US$5 000.
“The project started in 2016, where as war veterans, we held a brick party where every member was asked to bring bricks which were used in the initial construction,” said Cde Sibanda.
Cde Charles Chiponda, a member of the Zanu-PF Central Committee said the centre was essential and should be supported.
“The history of the struggle must be well captured and stored here so that future generations can come and learn about how the struggle was executed and how independence was achieved,” said Cde Chiponda, who is also a local businessman.
The committee spearheading the project include Cdes Emmanuel Kanjoma, Chiponda, Ray Mutomba and businessman Mr Ishmael Jassat. Mr Jassat weighed in on the need to assist the war veterans.
“We are asking the business community in Bulawayo to come together and support this worthy cause for the benefit of the community and war veterans in general. We are also seeking to engage the National Parks and Wildlife for a hunting bag to be put together and will be up for auction to our hunting fraternity with the proceeds coming forward to complete the project. The bag may have buffalo, elephant, sable, eland and kudu to name a few,” he said.
A golf tournament will be held at Harry Allen Golf Club on 3 August as part of the fund-raising initiative.
