Samuel Kadungure and Lovemore Kadzura
SECURITY measures have been tightened across Mutare in preparation for the arrival of President Mnangagwa, senior Zanu PF officials, foreign delegates and invited guests for the 22nd Annual National People's Conference.
Zanu PF was yesterday finalising preparations, including the distribution of regalia to delegates.
Mutare Polytechnic grounds, venue of the conference, has been transformed as part of the preparations to ensure a seamless experience.
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The main hall and ancillary offices have been prepared, with fine-tuning and operational checks completed.
Zanu PF provincial secretary for information and publicity, Cde Phillip Guyo, confirmed that final accommodation checks have been conducted, ensuring all logistical arrangements are in place.
"I can confirm that general preparedness for the Zanu PF conference in Mutare is complete," he said.
"As the National Chairman (Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri) previously noted, Manicaland has exceeded expectations.
When our news crew visited the venue yesterday afternoon, at least 105 exhibitors were occupying their spaces and putting final touches to their stands.
"The venue, Mutare Polytechnic grounds, is fully equipped and ready.
"Accommodation arrangements for delegates arriving tomorrow (today) are finalised and secured, with adequate provisions in place for all, including the leadership. Logistical aspects, such as road improvements, power supply, and food provisions, are well in hand to ensure a smooth and successful conference."
Cde Guyo said they conducted final accommodation checks to confirm lodging arrangements for the thousands of delegates and foreign guests expected to arrive from today.
"Additionally, we have prepared the final batches of regalia for distribution to delegates upon their arrival," he said.
Mutare City Council said it had put in place comprehensive measures to provide seamless municipal services during the conference.
Companies such as Zimpapers, the largest integrated media house with operations spanning newspaper publishing, radio, television, commercial printing, and digital platforms, Grain Marketing Board (GMB), NetOne, TelOne, Econet, Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), local authorities, as well as small to medium enterprises (SMEs), were putting the final touches to their stands.
Mutare City Council spokesperson, Mr Charles Sadondo, said water provision is guaranteed, while road infrastructure has been upgraded in anticipation of high traffic volumes.
"As the City of Mutare, we are delighted to be hosting this important occasion, following the successful staging of the Sanganai World Tourism Expo.
"Business activity is thriving as delegates trickle in and numbers swell. In preparation for the conference, we have initiated a number of works around the city.
"We have attended to several roads, including Bridge Road, where we are resurfacing 0,6km, Railway Street, where we are working on 0,75km, as well as Glasgow, Industrial and Newcastle roads, which have also been revamped.
"These roads are crucial in linking the central business district with the rest of the city, and the increased vehicular movement will flow smoothly. Additionally, we have conducted routine pothole patching on several roads to ensure all roads are trafficable.
"We have also attended to streetlights, including areas close to the conference venue to ensure safe travel at night.
"Street lighting repairs have also been carried out on Main Street and Park Road, which is near the venue," he said.
Regarding water supply, Mr Sadondo said Mutare has reliable water supplies averaging 22 hours per day.
Zanu PF provincial chairman Cde Tawanda Mukodza said they have expanded the exhibition space following high demand from businesses seeking to showcase products and services, generate leads and sales, build brand awareness and network with potential clients, partners and competitors.
Companies such as Zimpapers, the largest integrated media house with operations spanning newspaper publishing, radio, television, commercial printing, and digital platforms, Grain Marketing Board (GMB), NetOne, TelOne, Econet, Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), local authorities, as well as small to medium enterprises (SMEs), were putting the final touches to their stands.
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When our news crew visited the venue yesterday afternoon, at least 105 exhibitors were occupying their spaces and putting final touches to their stands.
Companies such as Zimpapers, the largest integrated media house with operations spanning newspaper publishing, radio, television, commercial printing, and digital platforms, Grain Marketing Board (GMB), NetOne, TelOne, Econet, Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), local authorities, as well as small to medium enterprises (SMEs), were putting the final touches to their stands.
"We have been forced to extend the exhibition centre due to high demand.
"We have to create more space to accommodate a larger pool of exhibitors, as everyone wants to be part of this significant gathering.
"The support is overwhelming, with more companies interested in showcasing their products here. ZANU PF remains a popular party, a people's party.
"This demonstrates the support for our President and the party's policies," said Cde Mukodza.
