Online ReporterNyore Madzianike-Senior Reporter
A DELEGATION from the African Peer Review Mechanism Panel of Eminent Persons, led by lead panel member for Zimbabwe, Ambassador Aly-El Hefny, has commended the Second Republic’s signature projects, saying they demonstrate Government’s commitment to people-centred development.
The delegation yesterday toured the Trabablas Interchange that replaced the old inadequate Mbudzi Roundabout along Simon Mazorodze Road, as well as the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and the Museum of African Liberation in Harare.
They were accompanied by APRM Zimbabwe National Governing Council Chairperson Ambassador James Manzou and interim chief executive of the Zimbabwe APRM Secretariat Ambassador Rofina Chikava.
Speaking after the tour, Ambassador El Hefny said the team was greatly impressed by the progress witnessed under the Second Republic.
“Me and the rest of the delegation representing the APRM for this field mission to Zimbabwe, we are very much impressed,” he said.
“We needed not just to limit ourselves to the meetings in closed doors, but also to see things in reality and this is why we were very happy that we are going to be visiting the other provinces as well.
“But to take us in that tour and to explore with you and to learn about whatever gigantic projects that have been realised with the good willingness of the Government and the current administration and with the guidance of His Excellency the President, that development schemes should carry on.”
Ambassador El Hefny said such giant projects provide job opportunities and that with more investments and tourists set to come to Zimbabwe, they would be bringing more revenue for the country.
He described the Museum of African Liberation as a brilliant concept that will help tell Africa’s liberation story.
“It is a brilliant idea of having a museum of that extent and that richness with the contribution of many other countries, but mainly is the role and the work of Zimbabwe institutions and the idea to revive the history of freedom fighting in Zimbabwe and in the rest of Africa.
“I am sure that this museum, when it gets completed, it will attract not just thousands, but millions of visitors that will enjoy very much spending some time and getting more acquainted with that history,” he said.
The Trabablas Interchange was hailed a “big wonder”, underscoring the Government’s seriousness in driving national development.
“The interchange we have seen is a wonderful one. It is a big one. It serves the cause of tourism, the easy transport from one part to the other, to get communications with the neighbouring countries.
“These projects are very important and it makes it much easier for the people. They sense that the Government is serious, it is making such projects that are connected to their interests themselves,” he said.
The projects also promote trust in Government and create employment opportunities.
“It will make the people have more trust in whatever is happening because it is a serious job and big amounts are allocated for the realisation of such jobs,” he said.
On the upgraded Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Ambassador El Hefny said he was optimistic about increased international engagement.
“In fact, being here at the airport, the airport is very important to get extended, to get maintained, to get renewed in such a way that you could receive more airline companies, more foreign tourists that will visit the different places here in Zimbabwe.
“Not just the waterfalls, which are very important of course, but the overall tourism.,” he said.
The mission, which started on November 3, runs until November 18 and will cover all country’s 10 provinces.
