BULAWAYO city is set to celebrate 120 years of existence in June this year.
BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
The celebrations come at a time the city is plagued with numerous economic and social challenges.
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) acting mayor, Gift Banda said preparations to celebrate the city’s 120 years were at an advanced stage.
“On the 1st of June 2014, Bulawayo will celebrate 120 years of existence after the city attained town status and had its advisory board set up in 1894,” he said.
Banda said the local authority was delighted that the city had grown from humble beginnings as the Royal Kraal of King Lobengula to a metropolitan city.
“This is a milestone in our history and we are delighted to be able to celebrate our achievements. Bulawayo has grown from the royal kraal of King Lobengula to a metropolitan city,” said Banda”. As the city celebrates 120 years of growth, my council and I take great pleasure in being part of Bulawayo’s celebration of its past, present and future.”
The acting mayor called on people to continue developing the city so that it becomes a city to reckon with.
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“As we celebrate our history, we also remember that progress does not come automatically but is brought about by continuous foresight and effort development,” said Banda. “This is the success of the City of Kings. As we look into the future, it is my hope that Bulawayo will continue to be a progressive city and a force to reckon with.”
Bulawayo held its centenary celebrations in 1994.
However, some Bulawayo residents said there was nothing to celebrate in the city as several companies have either closed down or retrenched thousands of workers in the past decade.
It is estimated that about 25 000 workers lost their jobs after over 100 companies closed down.
Bulawayo, which has a population of over 600 000 people, also faces perennial water shortages.
