THE Midlands Provincial Affairs minister Jason Machaya has expressed concern on the state of the provincial heroes’ acre saying there is need to maintain the shrine so as to reflect the sacrifices made by liberation fighters.
Stephen Chadenga OWN CORRESPONDENT
Before reading President Robert Mugabe’s speech at the provincial shrine on Monday, Machaya said the monument needed to be upgraded and maintained at all times.
“We need to ensure that this provincial shrine is maintained to standards befitting sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the country,” Machaya said.
Most of the graves at the provincial heroes’ acre do not have tombstones while others are crumbling.
Overgrown grass is replete and the place is only cleaned in preparation for the Heroes’ Day commemorations.
Other provincial heroes’ acres which have come under spotlight over the years include Lupane and Nkulumane, in Matabeleland North and Bulawayo provinces respectively.
Meanwhile, Machaya read Mugabe’s speech at a poorly attended Defences Forces’ Day commemorations at Mkoba Stadium on Monday as most residents went on with their usual business.
