People’s conference preps on course
THE ruling Zanu-PF leadership in Masvingo is now geared for the forthcoming 16th National People’s Annual Conference that will run from 13 to 17 December at Masvingo Showgrounds amid reports that more than 65 percent of work has been done.
Head of the fundraising committee, who is also the party’s provincial secretary for finance, Cde Killer Zivhu said preparations were progressing according to plan and predicted that this year’s conference would be one of its kind, given the support the party has received.
He said despite the ensuing economic hardships, the local organising committee has received considerable support from both party members and the business community. He said boreholes have been drilled to address the challenges of water during the event with the ground for the pitching of tents having already been levelled.
Cde Zivhu also said a state-of-the-art toilet is being built at the venue and that would be complemented by a number of mobile ablution facilities to cater for the expected high number of people.
About 6 000 delegates including foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the event. The conference will run under the theme, “Moving with Zim Asset in Peace and Unity”.
“We have covered more than 65 percent of the work. Recently National Secretary for Administration Dr Ignatius Chombo visited the venue to assess the progress made and he was happy. He promised that the tents have since been secured and are ready for collection, in three weeks’ time from now we would have pitched them. Almost everything is in place, targeted money, accommodation and the issue of ablution facilities,” said Cde Zivhu.
He said Masvingo Province has since surpassed its target of $50 000 for the conference. He said more pledged funds were still being deposited into the party’s bank account with more than 7 000 beds having been also secured.
“We have drilled two boreholes and in three weeks’ time, more will have been drilled at the venue. This is done to address the issue of water as the council is facing water problems because of dwindling levels at Lake Mutirikwi.
“The roads leading to the venue will be tarred. Funds have already surpassed our targets so is accommodation after we have secured more than 7 000 beds and yet we expect 6 000 delegates. The conference is unique for Masvingo because of its theme that resonates well with our strides on Zim Asset especially in Chivi District,” he said.
Last year the 15th national people’s conference was held in Victoria Falls where about 6 000 delegates attended. Masvingo last hosted the conference in 2003 at Masvingo Teachers’ College.