March 29 (Reuters) - Zimbabweans desperate for change began voting on Saturday in the most crucial election since independence from Britain in 1980, with veteran President Robert Mugabe facing the biggest challenge of his 28-year-rule.

Below are some quotes from voters and election officials:

GERTRUDE MUZANENHAMO, a 36-year-old mother of three

"My biggest concern is education. We are paying money but our children are not learning because teachers are always on strike."

"People are dying in hospitals and funeral expenses are very high, how do you expect us to survive? Shop shelves are empty. If we vote things might get back to normal," she said, adding that she had joined the queue to vote at 3.30 am (0130 GMT).

LEO KARIWO, a voter who slept outside a polling station

"I can't say Zimbabweans are cowards or that they are cautious, they are peace-loving people, but if Mugabe steals the election there will surely be trouble in this country."

SAMUEL FURUTSA, a voter in Harare's Mufakose township

"They brought in armoured vehicles and water tanks and lots of police officers yesterday. Tell us ... what is that supposed to mean? That is intimidation but we will not be cowed, we have nothing to lose my friend but we are hungry, I tell you."

SHARON KABAIRA, a hairdresser in Kambuzuma township

"I am really worried by the fact that we are now paying rentals in foreign currency. I want to vote to make sure that when I vote we will be able to pay rentals in our local currency and that the new leaders will reduce inflation.

"The problem in this country is that there very few people who have the means. It should not be like that, wealth should be evenly distributed."

CHRISTOPHER MUKWATAMARI, an unemployed youth.

"Life is difficult, so I expect my vote to help bring change."

NADIA MARABINI, a white Zimbabwean at a polling station

"A new government, that's what I need. What we need is an intelligent, well-managed government that will satisfy the needs of Zimbabweans of all walks of life."

EMMA DODZO, an elderly woman huddling under a blanket with three other women

"We have been here since 11 p.m. last night. We want to vote early, because there could be massive turnout, as you can see."

GEORGE CHIWESHE, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Chairman

"At this polling station the turnout looks very high. The proceedings are very orderly. It looks like we will have a very good election day and the weather is very favourable."

(Reporting by Cris Chinaka, Stella Mapenzauswa, MacDonald Dzirutwe, Nelson Banya, and Muchena Zigomo; Editing by Catherine Evans)

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