By Tendai Chisiri
His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa has unveiled the new name of Tomlinson Depot which is now Chimoio Camp Depot and commissioned Chimoio Police Camp Flats in Harare Friday.
In his speech, His Excellency said he was honoured and had pride in officiating the ceremony.
“It is with great honour and a sense of pride that I join you at this momentous occasion, to officiate at this ceremony marking the unveiling of the new name of Tomlinson Depot. This cantonment area will now be called, Chimoio Camp Depot. Today, we also witness the commissioning of residential flats, hereafter called the Chimoio Police Camp Flats”, he said.
Colonialism saw the naming of places and institutions being used as a means of dispossession, both physically and psychologically, for asserting dominion over our land and us its rightful owners.
“As such, following the advent of the Second Republic, my Administration took a deliberate decision to accelerate the name changes of numerous strategic national institutions, buildings and streets across the country. This bold move is designed for the memorialisation and recognition of our rich liberation history, as well as the prominent figures who helped to shape it”, he stated.
*In line with our philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind”, my Government is also determined to foster a sense of unity and national pride by emphasising shared values and heritage. These name changes are an important tool for preserving our heritage,hence, we are ensuring that the choice of names always echo the correct historical narratives of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe”, Mnangagwa added.
“It is critically important, therefore that, the naming of our institutions should reinforce who we are as Zimbabweans and Africans. The background of the names should be frequently explained and serve as a reminder of the past, educating both present and future generations about our country’s history and diversity”, he elaborated.
The renaming ceremony of this important facility in the security establishment is coming after the name change of Morris Depot to Mkushi Police Academy.
“The heinous and atrocious events that took place during the First and Second Chimurenga/Umvukela and the personal sacrifices of many sons and daughters of Zimbabwe should never be taken for granted.Although some of the experiences evoke painful memories, they should rekindle our fortitude to always defend and safeguard the Independence, freedom, unity and peace we now enjoy”, His Excellency urged.
The renaming of this Depot to Chimoio Camp marks yet another milestone and step towards dismantling the remaining colonial ,’legacies’.
“The sacrifices made your gallant sons and daughters, including atChimoio Camp, should inspire our officers to conduct their duties diligently. Through such deliberate initiatives, we are giving our country a truly Zimbabwean identity and memorialising the significance of Chimoio Camp in Mozambique, among other places, and incidents that connect us permanently to the liberation struggle”, he said
“In doing so, we are paying special tribute to our brothers and sisters in the Frontline States, both departed and living. They sacrificed their freedom and peace by sheltering us, providing food, camps to train and other requisite material resources.
Zimbabwe shall always remain eternally indebted to them for these acts of solidarity and support.We also honour our sons and daughters who lost their lives in Mozambique, as well as our sister revolutionary Party, Frelimo, the Government and people of Mozambique.To them we say, Muito Obrigado; Thank you.Aluta Continua”, he stressed.
“The importance of decent accommodation for any employee cannot be overemphasised. To this end, the commissioning of four blocks of residential flats is part of my Government’s efforts towards ensuring better working and safe conditions for our public officers.Our public servants require safe and good places to stay with their families for them to be effective in the delivery of quality services. This is no different for our country’s police officers, who carry out very important and demanding roles in our society by maintaining law and order as well as safeguarding our peace and security”, he said.
He challenged the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Ministries of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage,Local Government and Public Works as well as National Housing and Social Amenities, among other stakeholders in the built environment, to scale up collaboration and innovation towards addressing the housing needs for the civil service in general.
The need to revamp and strengthen the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s construction units in all provinces must be urgently addressed. Meanwhile, as part of providing decent accommodation, particular focus must be on the integration of climate- smart technologies and the provision of appropriate recreational facilities, among other amenities.Such consideration will help build climate mitigation and adaptation across the built environment and prevent the youth from engaging in anti-social behaviour such as drugs and substance abuse.
President Mnangagwa said his Government remains mindful that besides the residential accommodation, the Zimbabwe Republic Police requires resources for them to efficiently andeffectively fulfil their constitutional mandate.
“As such, resources will continue to bemobilised to capacitate the Police to effectively deal with emerging challenges, which, among others, include transnational organised crimes, armed robberies and road traffic accidents”, he added.
“As we modernise and industrialise our economy, specialised police training and capacity-building programmes will continue to receive the necessary support.We are determined to equip ourofficers with the knowledge and skills to handle critical policing missions within and beyond our borders”, he said.
Meanwhile, he commended the Zimbabwe Republic Police for maintaining peace and security in the beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
“Your individual and collective roles,together with other national security agencies, continue to facilitate a conducive business operating environment.This is a fundamental necessity for investment, trade and the attainment of sustainable socio-economic development”, he stressed.
He also thanked all Zimbabweans for the support they render to the Police Service. “Harbouring criminals and criminal activities in both rural and urban communities must be shunned”, he noted.
“Emboldened by our development philosophy, let us take advantage of the peaceful and stable environment to work hard in every sector and contribute towards the attainment of Vision 2030. “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo.”
In conclusion, I congratulate all the partners, Ministries, Departments and Agencies who took part in the construction of these apartments. It is my expectation that these new blocks of residential flats will go a long way in addressing the housing needs of our Police Force”, he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to be responsible stewards and take good care of these apartments.”On its part, the Zimbabwe Republic Police is called upon to diligently carry out regular repair and maintenance work on this facility and other institutional accommodation across the country”, he pointed out.
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