The new parliament building was constructed by the Shanghai Construction Group and fully funded by the Chinese government as a ‘gift to the people of Zimbabwe’.

In a statement released recently by the Zimbabwe’s clerk of Parliament, Kennedy Chokuda, noted that the state of the nation address and the official opening of the 5^th session of the 9^th Parliament will be done today, 23^rd of November. 

Earlier on, the President of Zimbabwe had described the new building as a majestic and a landmark piece of work.

The new parliament comprises of four floors on the Parliament side and six floors on the office building side as three bridges on each floor link the two buildings.

China and Zimbabwe have a strong bond when it comes to description of their relationship since post-independence of Zimbabwe. 

However, some members of the public have raised eyebrows on what will be China’s benefits, and this also was made when a picture trended of a Chinese flag which was seen flaying outside the new parliament at Mount Hampden. 

It is estimated that the 650 seat-structure which comprises a six-storey office complex and a four -storey building housing national assembly and senate was built with more than 140 million USD. 

Chokuda described to media this move as a historic moment as this will be the last session of parliament and will be opened by President ED Mnangagwa. While Hon Mthuli Ncube will become the first-ever finance minister to present the 2023 national budget after the official opening.

The President’s SONA will be heard today, as the mainstream media and parliament  social media will broadcast the two events live.