Bulawayo reject war veterans graves request, again

THE Bulawayo City Council has once again rejected an application by the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association (ZNLWVA) for council to assist in digging graves at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane for free.

Council said its  'cash flow situation was not good'.

In the latest council minutes availed this Wednesday, the MDC-T led council said the war veterans should  refer the matter to the "Department of National Museums and Monuments who may then approach Council for assistance on their behalf".

 According to the report, council said if it agrees to the request it would incur $860 to produce 20 graves at $23 per grave.

Transportation of digger using low bed would cost  $400.

In February, the war veterans has wrote to council saying  "Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) is requesting your good office to assist in the digging of graves at the Provincial Heroes Acre.

"We are facing challenges at this site to provide graves to our deceased comrades.

"The Ministry of Public Works has a duty of providing materials, digging of graves but is unable to provide this service citing lack of funding.

"Currently relatives of War Veterans Association are taking the toll duty of providing this service with no assistance from anywhere hence our resort to ask for assistance
from your office.

"If possible we can have 15 graves or more in the Heroes Acre for the time being".

Council routinely rejects war veterans numerous requests.

 Last year, council turned down a similar grave digging  request.

Also last year, the ex–combatants requested for land to build a memorial clinic in Pumula South suburb, and the request was rejected