News / Local
ZITF preps at an advanced stage
16 Apr 2013 at 05:24hrs | Views
THE preparations for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) are at an advanced stage with most exhibitors busy on their stands.
The 54th edition of the ZITF will start on 23 April and ends oil, the 27th at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre under the theme "Building Value and Enhancing Growth".
A survey yesterday revealed that most exhibitors have started working on their stands. Many of the companies with permanent stands at the Exhibition Centre are just sprucing up and decorating their pavilions.
The setting up of stands in Halls 1, 2, 3 and 4 was also in progress with tiling of the floors and laying out the electric cables.
The agricultural showgrounds, lawns and flowers throughout the exhibition centre are in superb condition owing to the improved water supply by the Bulawayo City Council.
Many people have since last week been thronging the showgrounds seeking "piece jobs" normally offered by exhibitors.
Organisers have said they expect all exhibition space to be taken up this year with more than 93 percent of the 60 000 stands having been already booked.
In separate interviews some of the job seekers said they have over the years been engaged by exhibitors to work on the stands.
"Most of us are experts in different trades which include painting, roofing, plumbing, carpentry and building.
"This year we have witnessed an increase in the number of people seeking piece jobs and this could be attributed to many companies that have closed down in the city'' said Mr Zenzo Moyo.
Another job seeker said the money they get was going to help them sustain the livelihood of their families.
"The money I have mad? this far will go towards paying my daughter's school fees. So far the work I have been undertaking is easy. I have been assisting exhibitors with cleaning their stands and offloading trucks coming from all over the country.
"On a good day I get about $15 per day which is not bad given the stiff competition for jobs this year," said Mrs Susan Maphisa.
This year's trade fair will be officially opened on 26 April by the Malawian President Joyce Banda.
The 54th edition of the ZITF will start on 23 April and ends oil, the 27th at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre under the theme "Building Value and Enhancing Growth".
A survey yesterday revealed that most exhibitors have started working on their stands. Many of the companies with permanent stands at the Exhibition Centre are just sprucing up and decorating their pavilions.
The setting up of stands in Halls 1, 2, 3 and 4 was also in progress with tiling of the floors and laying out the electric cables.
The agricultural showgrounds, lawns and flowers throughout the exhibition centre are in superb condition owing to the improved water supply by the Bulawayo City Council.
Many people have since last week been thronging the showgrounds seeking "piece jobs" normally offered by exhibitors.
Organisers have said they expect all exhibition space to be taken up this year with more than 93 percent of the 60 000 stands having been already booked.
"Most of us are experts in different trades which include painting, roofing, plumbing, carpentry and building.
"This year we have witnessed an increase in the number of people seeking piece jobs and this could be attributed to many companies that have closed down in the city'' said Mr Zenzo Moyo.
Another job seeker said the money they get was going to help them sustain the livelihood of their families.
"The money I have mad? this far will go towards paying my daughter's school fees. So far the work I have been undertaking is easy. I have been assisting exhibitors with cleaning their stands and offloading trucks coming from all over the country.
"On a good day I get about $15 per day which is not bad given the stiff competition for jobs this year," said Mrs Susan Maphisa.
This year's trade fair will be officially opened on 26 April by the Malawian President Joyce Banda.
Source - TC
