By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Ruling ZANU PF party has extended a warm welcome to delegates and attendees coming into Harare for the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit scheduled for 17 August 2024.
The summit will be held under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an Industrialised SADC”.
ZANU PF Director of Information Farai Marapira said Zimbabwe was known the world over for its warm hospitality and its beautiful people.
“We want to welcome them all to Zimbabwe, we are one people. We want them to enjoy the sunny climate which is testament to the people who are warm and friendly. Enjoy the beauty of Zimbabwe, our culture and its people,” Marapira said.
Marapira said the party was pleased with hosting the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit as well as delegates.
“Some of the visitors just came from across borders and we share a lot in common so at this point we want them to enjoy the best of our hospitality and feel at home,” Marapira said.
Presenting an update on the preparations ahead of the summit on Wednesday by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Cabinet confirmed that major access routes to the summit venue, the New Parliament Building, had been finalised.
The new VVIP Lounge at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is ready, complete with necessary facilities, and related infrastructure improvements such as the VVIP Pavilion access road and airport road remarking have been completed.
Traffic management and city beautification projects are underway, including the installation of traffic lights, street lighting, and flag hoisting in key areas.
Other key updates include the completion of a 2.8 megalitre water reservoir, the setup of medical facilities at the Parliament, and enhanced internet connectivity across summit venues.
Accommodation and logistical arrangements were finalised, with medical and emergency services prepared to support the event.
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe organised an exhibition showcasing artefacts from 14 SADC countries.
The Summit, which will see Zimbabwe assume the chairmanship from Angola, is set to bring together all SADC member states, with preparations pointing towards a successful event.
The SADC Summit is responsible for the overall policy direction and control of functions of the Community, ultimately making it the policy-making institution of SADC.
The Ordinary SADC Summit is held every year and is attended by Heads of State and Government from the 16 SADC Member States namely, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is also attended by heads of continental and regional bodies as observers.
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