Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
MASHONALAND West Province is gearing up to host the 23rd Zanu PF Annual National People’s Conference next month and Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in 2027, with preparations for the two major events progressing well.
The province, led by Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, yesterday toured Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), the venue for the conference, where it was revealed that preparations were now more than 80 percent complete.
Tentage has already started going up, while construction of ablution facilities is nearing completion.
Speaking after touring the venue, Minister Chombo said the provincial government was working closely with the party to ensure the successful hosting of the conference.
“Everything is in place for the hosting of the conference, as you can see with the massive works currently taking place. We are above 80 percent complete, with a few touch-ups awaiting completion, including beautification and electrification,” she said.
She said the venue was being prepared to accommodate thousands of delegates, with tents being erected to supplement existing facilities.
“We are very much ready. We are putting in place everything that is required, including tents, toilets, roofing, changing rooms and other facilities. The main tent will accommodate about 5 000 people, with an overflow area also being provided,” said Minister Chombo.
She said water challenges at the university had also been addressed ahead of the conference.
“In terms of water provision, that has been taken care of. The water systems have been improved and the challenges that were there have been addressed,” she said.
The conference is also expected to leave a lasting legacy through infrastructure projects being undertaken ahead of the event, in line with the party’s tradition of implementing development projects in provinces that host its national events.
Among the projects are the construction of ablution facilities, renovation of student hostels and improvements to other accommodation facilities.
At the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, Minister Chombo urged players and investors in the hospitality and accommodation industry to take advantage of opportunities presented by the event.
“Everything is required, so if you are in the hotel industry, this is your chance to come and make money. If you are in road construction, it is your chance to come and partner with us.
“If you are in accommodation or residential development, come and invest, especially in lodges. We want more accommodation to be provided within and around Mashonaland West. Everybody who is in business has something to benefit from these developments,” she said.
She said the province was open to partnerships with the private sector as it prepared to host the high-profile events.
The 2026 edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is being held in Masvingo province.
Meanwhile, Provincial Roads Engineer in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Simbarashe Gomo, said road rehabilitation was also being prioritised as the province prepared to host the major events.
He said rehabilitation works had started on the Harare-Chirundu Road, while roads in Chinhoyi were undergoing extensive rehabilitation.
“We are helping with these developments because, when such programmes come, they are also supposed to bring development,” said Engineer Gomo.
“Currently, in preparation for these two major programmes, we have increased maintenance on the Harare-Chirundu Highway. We have targeted the section from Harare to Chinhoyi and activated our contractors to be on site.
“Much of the work currently involves shoulder regravelling to ensure that the road is wide enough ahead of the planned full rehabilitation of the road from Harare all the way to Chirundu.”
Engineer Gomo said other key roads in the province were also receiving attention.
“We are not only working on the Harare-Chirundu Road. We have other projects ongoing, including the Karoi-Siakobvu and Golden Valley-Sanyati roads, which are also key roads within our province.
“Chinhoyi, being the host city, is also having its road network rehabilitated. This will leave a lasting legacy in terms of hosting such national events,” he said.
