Parly opening preps on track

Herald Reporter
PREPARATIONS for the official opening of the First Session of the Eighth Parliament set for next Tuesday are in full swing with relevant stakeholders putting in motion various activities in readiness for the day.President Mugabe is expected to officially open the Session where he will set the legislative agenda for the First Session.

Air Force of Zimbabwe jets could be seen zooming past Parliament Building yesterday rehearsing the traditional flypast in diamond formation that coincides with the singing of the National Anthem.

The administration of Parliament has since started issuing out invitation cards to guests among them diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, captains of industry and church representatives, among others. This week Clerk of Parliament Mr Austin Zvoma and other senior officials held an induction workshop for Members of Parliament to familiarise them with what is expected of legislators.

Yesterday Mr Zvoma notified motorists that roads leading to Parliament would be closed on Sunday and Tuesday to facilitate the rehearsals and the official opening ceremony.

“Parliament of Zimbabwe and the police wish to advise the public that the following roads will be temporarily closed to motorists on: Sunday 15 September 2013 from 0930 to 1300 hours for dress rehearsal of the official opening of Parliament. Tuesday 17 September 2013 from 0600 to 1430 hours for the official opening of the First Session of the Eighth Parliament,” Mr Zvoma said in a statement.

Other roads to be closed are Nelson Mandela Avenue at Sam Nujoma Street to Fourth Street, Third Street at Jason Moyo Avenue, George Silundika Avenue at Third Street, St Mary’s Lane at Nelson Mandela Avenue, Kwame Nkrumah Avenue from Sam Nujoma Street to Fourth Street and Sam Nujoma Street at Samora Machel.

“Motorists are advised to plan their journeys and use alternative routes,” he said. On the official opening the President would leave State House and arrive at Parliament building where he would inspect a guard of honour mounted by members of the security forces.

There would also be a flypast simultaneously with the singing of the national anthem. Supreme Court and High Court judges led by Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku and Security Service Chiefs are also expected to attend the event.