Bulawayo residents concerned over delays in re-erection of Nkomo statue

BULAWAYO residents have expressed concern over continued delays in the re-erection of the statue of the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo and the renaming of Main Street after him.

In separate interviews, residents said the move to rename Main Street after Dr Nkomo was long overdue. They said the delays were a mockery of the late nationalist's contribution to the liberation and development of Zimbabwe.
Bulawayo United Residents Association (Bura) chairperson Mr Winos Dube said residents were disappointed at all the excuses that were being put forward on the renaming of Main Street, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.

"It is really worrying us as residents and we are wondering what is holding up the renaming of Main Street after the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo. We have not seen action being taken for several years and we have a lot of questions but very few answers.

"One thing we are sure of is that everyone agrees that Dr Nkomo has to be honoured. It is the slow pace this honour is taking that is really worrying us," he said.

Mr Dube urged the new Government to implement the renaming of Main Street as well as re-erecting Dr Nkomo's statue on the same road.
"The road is there and the site of the statue has been identified, and so what is taking this long for them to complete the project?

We therefore urge the new Government to take action and honour the late Vice-President," said Mr Dube.

Another resident, Mr Jacob Masuku of Matshobana suburb, echoed Mr Dube's sentiments.

He said the late Vice-President Dr Nkomo was a man of the people and thus deserved all the honour the nation could accord him.

"Dr Nkomo contributed immensely towards the independence of Zimbabwe. He played a leading role in liberating us from colonialism, and hence he should be honoured for his contribution.

"The new Government should bestow Dr Nkomo with the honour by renaming Main Street after him. We really wonder what is going on as there are unexplained delays in the implementation of the idea which was mooted in 2011," he said.

The proposal to rename Main Street Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo has remained on the drawing board without any indications as to when it would be done.

The failure to complete the construction of Dr Nkomo's statue has also been met with growing condemnation by the nation that believes Dr Nkomo, 13 years since his death, has not been glowingly honoured for his gallantry.

Dr Nkomo died on 1 July 1999 and the project to erect his gigantic statue between Main Street and 8th Avenue in Bulawayo has been met with obstacles.

The renaming of the street was proposed by outgoing Bulawayo Provincial Governor and Resident Minister, Cde Cain Mathema, who forwarded the idea to the Bulawayo City Council on 29 July 2006.

The council's Town Lands and Planning Committee adopted the proposal in 2007, saying there was a need to preserve Dr Nkomo's legacy for the benefit of future generations.

Cde Mathema, who is also Zanu-PF Deputy Secretary for Information and Publicity, said the erection of the statue was a priority for both the region and the entire nation and as such it is a must to have it concluded.

He said the project was stalled by lack of funding from Treasury under the inclusive Government.

"Government also wants that project as soon as possible because we are fully aware of the contributions made by the late Father Zimbabwe to this nation," said Cde Mathema.

Zanu-PF deputy provincial chairperson for Bulawayo, Cde Killian Sibanda urged the incoming councillors to implement the project.

"It is everyone's concern over delays in the completion of the projects such as the renaming of Main Street in honour of Dr Nkomo and the erection of his statue.

"We all know that part of the delays was due to challenges we faced in the just ended inclusive Government particularly on the issue of releasing funds by the Treasury. We are, however, optimistic that the new Zanu-PF Government will address that problem and the new councillors should implement the project on commencing duty," he said.

Former Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor Thaba Moyo, said the renaming of Main Street was held back by the Government's failure to wrap up the statue project.

He said the city council wanted the renaming to coincide with the erection of the statue.