Courage Dutiro
The United States of America (USA) sponsored culture preservation project at the Great Zimbabwe monuments has been completed.
Through the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), the US government channeled a total of US$ 475 000 towards the restoration and preservation of Great Zimbabwe National Monuments.
Speaking during the Great Zimbabwe preservation project completion ceremony held at the Great Zimbabwe heritage site, US Acting Ambassador to Zimbabwe Elaine French said such projects demonstrate the US government’s commitment to preservation of cultural heritage around the globe.
“Congratulations to our partners for the job well done. I saw images of the site before the project with collapsed stone walls and other areas totally covered by the invasive plant species Lantana Camara but walking through the Hill Complex today I saw restored walls, areas cleared of destructive, strangling Lantana Camara and a site monitoring system.
“Through projects like this one, the United States government demonstrates its commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage around the world,” said French.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira thanked the American Embassy for the gesture saying Great Zimbabwe is an umbilical cord that connects the nation with its history.
“I take this opportunity to acknowledge this kind gesture you rendered in November 2018 at this very venue which aimed at strengthening conservation initiatives at Great Zimbabwe World Heritage.
“Great Zimbabwe is not just an archaeological site to the people of Zimbabwe but is the umbilical cord that connects the nation with its past, as such its preservation is a top priority for the people of Zimbabwe,” said Chadzamira.
Chief Mugabe born Mudavanhu Matubede appealed to the partners to avail more funds as the invasive plant Camara Lantana is still a menace in the area.
“This site can be preserved through different ways, so we understand both ways are significant in preserving this place. I really appreciate efforts made to control the spread of Lantana Camara that is a nuisance. As you see this place is still infested with Lantana Camara, we would like to call upon our partners to continue pouring funds to fight Lantana Camara,” said Chief Mugabe.
