Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure and Tendai Gukutikwa
ADVANCE teams from ZANU PF’s administrative provinces arrived in Mutare yesterday to make final checks on preparations including accommodation facilities for delegates attending the 22nd National People’s Conference.
The provinces expressed satisfaction with the quality of services and logistical arrangements, confirming readiness to receive the majority of their delegations on October 16.
The conference, which started yesterday with the revolutionary party holding its Politburo meeting and a Central Committee meeting today, ends on Saturday.
On Thursday, most of the delegates will travel to Mutare, where President Mnangagwa is set to commission key projects, including the Mega Market Milling Plant and the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse.
He will also launch the national tree-planting programme by leading a tree-planting exercise at the new Zanu PF Manicaland stand, adjacent the conference venue, Mutare Polytechnic College.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for delegates to discuss critical issues, including the economy, health, education and drug and substance abuse.
Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, said provincial teams conducted an on-site inspection of allocated venues and were impressed by the quality of accommodation.
“All the 10 party provinces conducted an on-site inspection of accommodation facilities for their delegates, and were thoroughly impressed,” he said.
“The feedback received indicated that all provinces were satisfied with the allocated accommodation.”
Cde Mukodza added that the inspection by provincial secretaries for security, transport, welfare and health is a prerequisite for the party ahead of major events.
“We are delighted that, as Manicaland, we have met and exceeded their expectations. The teams visited last week and provided positive feedback on the facilities, having inspected the hotels, lodges and institutions.
“The issue of accommodation has been resolved, and the venue is essentially finalised, with everything in place, save for arrival of the delegates,” said Cde Mukodza.
The conference will bring significant benefits to the community, particularly in the wake of the Sanganai/ Hlanganani/ Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo held in September.
Cde Mukodza expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for granting the province the rare opportunity to host two consecutive major events of national importance.
“They will positively impact the people’s lives in Mutare,” he added.
The conference’s impact on Mutare’s economy is already evident, with businesses experiencing a surge in trade and sales across various sectors.
Hotels, supermarkets, lodges, restaurants, transport operators and informal traders have reported increased customers and sales as thousands of delegates flock to the city for the high-profile event.
In an interview yesterday, chairperson of the Manicaland Chamber of Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Mr Kudzai Makore, said the hosting of this year’s conference in Mutare has given the province’s economy a much-needed boost.
“Business is thriving. Sales have increased across all sectors, and we are delighted that President Mnangagwa chose Manicaland for this year’s conference. The business community is enjoying a significant upturn in trade. There is lucrative business being recorded, just a few weeks after the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo.
“We are truly blessed,” said Mr Makore.
He noted that they are well-prepared, particularly in the accommodation and hospitality sector, having recently hosted the tourism expo in the same city.
“The retail sector is also well-equipped to handle the influx of delegates,” Mr Makore said.
Across Mutare, guest houses and hotels are fully booked, with some establishments extending their services to nearby suburbs.
Food outlets and supermarkets have reported sharp sales increases, local transporters and taxi operators are experiencing higher-than-usual demand.
Mr Makore emphasised that hosting major national events like the ZANU PF conference has far-reaching benefits for Manicaland’s economic growth and business confidence.
“These events enable us to grow as businesses and improve our service delivery, as we’re capacitated in terms of revenue. Our Gross Domestic Product as a province is likely to grow if we continue to host such national events,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu