Source: Maphisa reaps benefits of hosting Independence – herald
Raymond Jaravaza
FOR years, Maphisa was known as a quiet rural service centre in Matobo District — a place where life moved at an unhurried pace and days passed without disruption.
But today, that calm has been replaced by the roar of heavy machinery and the constant activity of construction teams as major infrastructure projects accelerate ahead of this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
Dozens of yellow construction machines now dominate the landscape, shifting earth, carving new roads and driving long awaited development. Roads, schools, health facilities, a stadium, an airstrip and a cultural centre — all being built simultaneously — have become the district’s main talking point, with residents struggling to recall a time of such concentrated development.
For Eveline Moyo, who runs a small shop at Maphisa Shopping Centre, the transformation is unprecedented.
“I have never seen so many yellow machines working in one area in my whole life. It is obvious that a very big event is coming to Maphisa because the machines are everywhere and they are working day and night.
“My young brother is employed at the stadium and he says they are working around the clock so that everything is completed before the Independence Day celebrations next month,” she said.
One of the most striking scenes is the construction of Maphisa Stadium, where work has intensified under newly installed floodlights enabling 24 hour operations. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the floodlights ensure that the April 13 completion deadline is met.
“Unlike in the past when stadiums were waterlogged after heavy rains, we will not face the same challenges here because engineers have installed a modern drainage system.
“Rainfall on Independence Day will not be a problem at Maphisa Stadium,” he said.
Across Matabeleland South, development sites resemble a hive of activity, with more than 1 000 workers — most of them locals — engaged in accelerated construction efforts aimed at reshaping the district beyond the upcoming celebrations.
The infrastructure programme covers schools, a cultural centre, health facilities, a vocational training centre and major road works, each project adding long term value to the community.
At Mahetshe Primary School, which will host the Children’s Party, four new classroom blocks have reached roofing level, modern ablution facilities are about 80 percent complete, and teachers’ houses have been constructed.
Minister Garwe said the improvements are already transforming the quality of education facilities.
“For years, learners at both Mahetshe Primary and Mahetshe Secondary schools have relied on Blair toilets, but the Government’s decision to decentralise national events means children here will now benefit from modern flush toilets,” he said.
At Mahetshe Secondary School, expansion continues with six new classroom blocks, a science laboratory, new ablution facilities and teachers’ cottages under construction.
Meanwhile, a new airstrip is nearing completion, potentially opening the area to improved accessibility and tourism. Minister Garwe said fencing was crucial.
“This is a livestock farming area and movement of cattle, goats and donkeys is common, so fencing is necessary to secure the airstrip,” he said.
A cultural centre is also nearing completion. Matabeleland South deputy director in the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Promise Dube, said it is now about 90 percent finished and will serve as a centre of cultural preservation.
“The idea is to create a centre where visitors, school children and tourists can learn about Ndebele people culture,” he said.
He added that the new airstrip is designed to complement the centre.
“The airstrip will complement this project because visitors will be able to land in Maphisa and easily access the cultural centre. Only minor finishing works remain before the April 5 deadline.”
Officials say the works not only support the upcoming national event but also address development delays that span years. Provincial director in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Sijabuliso Ncube, said the momentum is reviving long stalled projects.
“This is an opportunity we have waited for over many years. Some of these projects have been stalled for too long. What we are seeing is a practical expression of the Second Republic’s commitment that no one and no place should be left behind,” he said.
He cited the Filabusi Registry Office, whose construction began in 2004, as one of the projects now inching towards completion. Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic, started in 2006, is also expected to be completed this year.
Matobo district development coordinator, Obey Chaputsira, said the employment created by the projects has already brought significant benefits to local communities.
“In all the sites combined, we have employed close to 1 000 people and 80 percent of them are locals. This means communities are benefiting not only through infrastructure but also through jobs and income,” he said.
He added that surfacing of access roads to key venues would begin within the next two weeks.
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