Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
MASHONALAND WEST is ready to host the ZANU PF 23rd National People’s Conference, which begins tomorrow, with a major infrastructure drive transforming the provincial capital, Chinhoyi, and leaving a lasting legacy for residents.
At least 7 500 delegates are expected at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) for the October 12 to 17 gathering, which has given fresh impetus to development projects spanning water supply, roads, health facilities and tourism.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo said the province was ready to host the conference, with the preparations extending beyond the main venue to improve the wider city and its capacity to support future growth.
“We are more than ready. When you go around Chinhoyi now, it is no longer the same,” she said.
“Different locations have been revamped and upgraded, while infrastructure projects are being implemented to ensure that this conference leaves a lasting mark.”
The conference is expected to provide a platform for President Mnangagwa to commission some of the projects, which provincial authorities say will continue to serve communities after delegates have returned home.
At the centre of the development drive is the upgrading of Chinhoyi’s water supply system, which is expected to raise water availability from about 22 megalitres to nearly 88 megalitres a day.
The increased capacity is expected to ease longstanding water shortages and support the city’s expansion, including the proposed Trabablas City development. The new city project, covering about 28 hectares, is expected to have its groundbreaking ceremony during the conference, signalling plans for further urban development.
Health services are also set to benefit, with the province preparing to commission an oxygen manufacturing plant at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital.
The facility has a production capacity of 800 litres of oxgen a day and is expected to supply hospitals across Mashonaland West.
At CUT, all 10 student hostels have been refurbished to accommodate delegates, while a water treatment plant has been established at the university.
Minister Chombo said the plant could create an opportunity for the institution to generate revenue by selling surplus treated water to Chinhoyi Municipality, subject to the necessary arrangements. Beyond the infrastructure projects, the conference is expected to inject business into Chinhoyi and surrounding communities, with accommodation, transport, hospitality, tourism and informal trading sectors poised to benefit.
Minister Chombo said accommodation facilities in the city were fully booked, while tourist attractions, including the Chinhoyi Caves, had been prepared to receive visitors.
Small and medium enterprises have been encouraged to seize the opportunity to showcase their products and services to delegates and other visitors.
“This is an opportunity for everyone in business, particularly our upcoming entrepreneurs, to market their products and services. You never know where such an opportunity can lead,” said Minister Chombo.
The hosting of the conference dovetails with the Government’s devolution and decentralisation agenda, which seeks to spread national events across provinces while stimulating local economic activity.
With a large number of visitors expected, the authorities have put traffic management measures in place, particularly along the Harare-Chirundu highway and within Chinhoyi’s central business district (CBD).
Minister Chombo said the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Chinhoyi Municipality police would work together to regulate traffic in the CBD and facilitate the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Measures have been introduced to manage heavy traffic along major routes, including restrictions on permits for heavy abnormal-load vehicles during the conference period.
Motorists are encouraged to follow instructions from traffic officers, use designated parking areas and exercise patience to minimise congestion.
The conference runs from tomorrow until Saturday.
Source: Chinhoyi ready to welcome Zanu PF conference delegates – herald
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