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Zimbabwe heroes acre to add over 100 new graves
2 hrs ago |
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More than 100 new graves are being added to the National Heroes Acre under an ongoing expansion and rehabilitation programme, which will also see significant upgrades to the shrine's infrastructure.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, said work is progressing on both the eastern and western wings of the site.
"Work is progressing but behind schedule," Amb Faranisi noted.
He provided updates on progress: "The eastern wing is 40 percent complete, with 17 burial slots now in place, and seven are ready for utilisation. The western wing is 57 percent complete and 25 burial slots are in place, and 17 are ready for use. On completion, the project will add at least 105 graves to the shrine."
The expansion project includes civil works to create additional burial sites, alongside upgrades to infrastructure designed to enhance the dignity, functionality, and visual appeal of the historic site.
Upgrades will include repairs to ablution and lighting systems, as well as the construction of a new water feature — a decorative installation such as a fountain or cascading pool - to enhance the shrine's aesthetic and tranquil atmosphere.
The National Heroes Acre serves as a symbolic resting place for Zimbabwe's liberation war veterans and national icons. Its maintenance and expansion are considered vital for preserving national memory and ensuring the site remains a fitting tribute to those who sacrificed for the country.
Amb Faranisi added that the upgrading programme extends beyond Harare, with similar rehabilitation efforts taking place at district heroes' acres nationwide.
"Graves are currently being rehabilitated at district Heroes Acres in Matabeleland South province, where the main Independence Day celebrations will be held," he said.
The ministry is also working to improve liberation war shrines outside Zimbabwe, including in Mozambique, Zambia, and Angola, where many freedom fighters were laid to rest during the struggle for independence.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, said work is progressing on both the eastern and western wings of the site.
"Work is progressing but behind schedule," Amb Faranisi noted.
He provided updates on progress: "The eastern wing is 40 percent complete, with 17 burial slots now in place, and seven are ready for utilisation. The western wing is 57 percent complete and 25 burial slots are in place, and 17 are ready for use. On completion, the project will add at least 105 graves to the shrine."
The expansion project includes civil works to create additional burial sites, alongside upgrades to infrastructure designed to enhance the dignity, functionality, and visual appeal of the historic site.
The National Heroes Acre serves as a symbolic resting place for Zimbabwe's liberation war veterans and national icons. Its maintenance and expansion are considered vital for preserving national memory and ensuring the site remains a fitting tribute to those who sacrificed for the country.
Amb Faranisi added that the upgrading programme extends beyond Harare, with similar rehabilitation efforts taking place at district heroes' acres nationwide.
"Graves are currently being rehabilitated at district Heroes Acres in Matabeleland South province, where the main Independence Day celebrations will be held," he said.
The ministry is also working to improve liberation war shrines outside Zimbabwe, including in Mozambique, Zambia, and Angola, where many freedom fighters were laid to rest during the struggle for independence.
Source - the herald
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