Vusumuzi Dube
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
PREPARATIONS for the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads State and Government are at an advanced stage, with the Government stating that it is ready to host the Summit.
Scheduled for 17 August in Harare, Zimbabwe is set to assume the chairmanship of the regional body at this year’s 44th Sadc Heads of State Summit.
The event to be attended by Heads of State and Government from the 16 SADC Member States will run under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an Industrialised SADC”.
President Mnangagwa will pronounce his vision for the bloc upon assumption of the office of SADC chair.
Cabinet on Wednesday received the update report on preparations for the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit as presented by Vice President Gen (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
In a post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said preparations were at an advanced stage.
“Pertaining to the Summit proceedings, the Executive SADC Secretary arrived in the country on 6 August, 2024 and the Senior Officials Meetings commenced on 8 August, 2024 with Zimbabwe assuming the chairmanship from the outgoing Chair, Angola. All SADC countries will participate and Government is ready to host the Summit,” he said.
He said the three main access routes to the venue, the New Parliament Building, namely: Harare-Chirundu; Harare-Kanyemba; and the New Parliament Roads were complete.
The Minister said on the Harare-Kanyemba Road, the section between Harare Drive and Eskbank tollgate and Gwebi River Bridge was opened to traffic on 7 August, 2024, while the Boulevard was officially opened President 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. The VVIP Pavilion access road was also completed,” he said.
“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 hangar is complete.”
Dr Muswere said the City of Harare was seized with the installation of traffic lights at intersections and street lighting of the major roads, while the local authority has been directed to speed up works.
He said the hoisting of flags on light poles is complete, with most areas along the Airport Road and Central Business District (CBD) done.
The Minister said the flag hoisting was achieved on Nemakonde Way and Seke Road, while Information and Publicity infrastructure has been finalized including the Media Center.
He added: “Meanwhile, the construction of the 2.8 megalitre water reservoir is now complete and, together with the 14 boreholes drilled will guarantee sufficient water supply. The beautification of the city is ongoing with work on the Airport Road now complete. Palm trees, lawn and flowers have been planted along the major access roads.”
Dr Muswere said the New Parliament is assured of uninterrupted power following the construction of an 11kV Dedicated Feeder and a 4MVA, 33/11kV transformer was also installed and commissioned.
He said a dedicated stable and high-speed internet service being provided by the three internet service providers was available at Parliament and all other official Summit-related venues, inclusive of the country’s international airports.
The Minister said: “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 with equipped with ambulances and fire tenders properly positioned, to ferry patients.”
He said preparations for the 7th SADC Public Lecture at the University of Zimbabwe, was on course, with all four external panelists having confirmed receiving their official invitations.
Dr Muswere said the exhibitors have set up their exhibitions while interpretation equipment has been put in place and the event will be live- streamed on national media and social media platforms.
He said the Entertainment and Excursions Sub-Committee was ready for the Summit, while the National Gallery of Zimbabwe has mounted an exhibition of artefacts from 14 SADC countries that are part of the permanent collection, under the title “Innovate SADC: Transformation in Southern Africa through the Arts” which will be officially opened on 15 August, 2024.
As chair, Zimbabwe will be responsible for providing leadership and policy direction to the regional bloc for the year 2024/2025.
Zimbabwe’s assumption of the SADC chair will also bolster the country’s bid for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat in 2027.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter