Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe is set to host the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrial Week (SIW), leading up to the momentous 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.
SIW is an annual public private engagement platform aimed at fostering new opportunities for intra-African trade, developing cross border value chains, and identifying investment opportunities in Southern Africa.
During the seventh post-cabinet press brief yesterday, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere, announced the nation's role as the upcoming host for the SADC Industrialization Week, scheduled just before the 44th SADC summit.
"Zimbabwe will host the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government and assume the Chairmanship of SADC on August 17, 2024. The Summit will be hosted at the New Parliament Building in the New City at Mt Hampden. The nation is advised that a week prior to the Summit, the country will host the SADC Industrialization Week," stated Minister Muswere.
Meanwhile, Minister Muswere also provided an update on the preparations for the 44th SADC summit, revealing that Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was at the helm of the coordination efforts.
The Minister added that in a bid to ensure thorough preparation, three Inter-Ministerial Committees have been formed, comprising various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, focusing on Finance and Agreement; Construction; and Communication, Brand Promotion, and Publicity.
Further elaborating on the Summit's logistical arrangements, Minister Muswere highlighted the progress in landscaping and civil infrastructure.
"Landscaping, rehabilitation, and construction of access roads to the venue of the Summit are on-going. The landscaping works are 58% complete, while the civil works are 67% complete. The Public Works Department is constructing a 2.8 mega-litre water tank, which is expected to be completed by June 2024," he detailed.
According to the Minister, the refurbishment efforts include major routes such as the Harare-Chirundu section and the Harare-Kanyemba section, alongside the construction and maintenance of the New Parliament Boulevard and surrounding access roads.
In anticipation of the influx of guests and participants, Government has assured comprehensive accommodation arrangements.
Moreover, the Information Communication Technology infrastructure is being organised by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services to facilitate smooth meetings and sessions throughout the event.
Meanwhile, the hosting of the SADC Summit by Zimbabwe marks a significant milestone for the country, showcasing its commitment to regional development and cooperation within the SADC framework.
