All set for SADC Summit
CLOUDINE MATOLA
Information Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere has said all is set for the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit to be held in the capital Harare.
The Summit will be held under the theme “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC”.
According to Dr Muswere three main access routes to new Parliament Buildings in Mt Hampden and construction of a VVIP lounge at Robert Mugabe international airport are now complete as well as installation of traffic lights and street lights.
“The three main access routes to the venue, the New Parliament Building, namely: Harare-Chirundu; Harare Kanyemba; and the New Parliament Roads are complete. 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 by His Excellency the President 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. 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.
“The City of Harare is seized with the installation of traffic lights at intersections and street lighting of the major roads. The local authority has been directed to speed up works. The hoisting of flags on light poles is complete, with most areas along the Airport Road and Central Business District done. Flag hoisting was achieved on Nemakonde Way and Seke Road. Information and Publicity infrastructure has been finalized including the Media Center,” Dr Muswere said.
In addition, Dr Muswere said there will be adequate water supply at the new Parliament Building as 14 boreholes were drilled as well as construction of 2.8 megalitre water reservoir.
“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,” he said.
Also, the government constructed a 11KVdedicated feeder with a 4MVA , 33/11KV transformer so that parliament will not have load shed.
He added:” A dedicated stable and high-speed internet service being provided by the 3 internet service providers is available at Parliament and all other official Summit-related venues, inclusive of the country’s international airports.”
He also said accommodation for all designated facilities have been finalized as well as medical facilities have been set at parliament.
In addition, more clinics will be opened with equipped ambulances and fire tenders.
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.
