Story by Stanley James
GOVERNMENT says Zimbabwe is ready to host the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government as all preparations for the event are complete.
This was revealed by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere during a post cabinet media briefing in Harare this Wednesday.
‘‘The 3 main access routes to the venue, the new Parliament Building, namely Harare Chirundu Highway, Harare- Kanyemba and the New Parliament Road area complete. On the Harare – Kanyemba Road, the section between Harare Drive and Eskbank toll gate and Gwebi River was opened to traffic on 7 August, while the Boulevard was officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday 9 August 2024, the construction of the VVIP lounge at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport was completed and it has been installed with the requisite facilities,’’ said minister muswere.
“The VVIP Pavilion access road was also completed. Remarking of the airport road has been completed, while painting of barriers has also been completed with damaged kerbstones being replaced and painted. The re-painting of the Air Zimbabwe hanger is completed,” he added
Government also highlighted its commitment to ensure a successful SADC Summit.
“The new parliament is assured of uninterrupted power following the construction of an 11 KV dedicated feeder, a 4mva, 33/11kv transformer was also installed and commissioned, a dedicated stable and high-speed internet service being provided by the internet service providers is available at parliament and all other official summit related venues, inclusive of the country’s airports. In terms of accommodation all the designated facilities have been finalised, medical facilities have been set up at parliament and more clinics will be opened equipped with ambulances and fire tenders properly positioned to ferry patients,” Minister Muswere further noted.
Cabinet also considered and approved the Memorandum of Understanding between Zimbabwe and the Southern Africa Development Community member states on the setting up of an International Fisheries, Monitoring, Control and Surveillance institution.
“The Memorandum provides a legal framework for the establishment and operationalization of an institution that will coordinate measures relating to fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance in the SADC region. The cooperation will benefit member states in the area of sustainable fisheries management, particularly the establishment of a central web-based portal where fisheries, monitoring, control and surveillance systems can be accessed,” said Dr Muswere.
The cabinet meeting also discussed the United Kingdom’s formal request for Zimbabwe to host the 3rd Africa Education Summit in 2025 and noted that hosting the Summit has potential to bring investors in the education sector to Zimbabwe as well as boost tourism.
