The economy has been in free fall since the mid-1990s, due to mismanagement, corruption in high places and the populist economic policies blamed on the Zanu (PF) government which was in power since 1980.
People interviewed by The Zimbabwean expressed anxiety and hope that the elections would usher in a people-centred government. Naison Kamwendo, a motor mechanic in Marondera said: “Within its first 100 days in office, the new government should prioritise job creation through opening up the closed industry and revamping the agriculture sector, and attract direct foreign investment to Zimbabwe.”
He said the road network should be rehabilitated as a matter of urgency, as current bad roads frustrated free movement of ordinary people and farmers from their farms to the market.
With capable ministers, Kamwendo said provision of services such as electricity and water should be enhanced as they were the backbone of sustainable economic recovery.
“The government should provide accessible health facilities to all. If possible, the facilities should be availed free of charge or at an affordable fee,” he added.
Shelter for all was described as one of the first issues the government should address as a matter of urgency.
Venencia Muzambi a housewife and voluntary caregiver to the elderly, said: “Concurrently with job creation, government should provide social security safety nets for the marginalised. A country’s national development is measured by how it provides for its economically marginalised, such as orphans, the elderly among others.”
Muzambi said a responsible government should cushion its poor from effects of poverty.
Rural communities expect government to come up with a sustainable rural development policy, capable of turning around the fortunes of communal people. Temba Mukunyayidze, a villager from Chief Svosve area said: “Villagers expect the new government to help them restock their domestic herd of cattle, since it provides them with drought power and is a symbol of wealth.” School children said they expect the government to provide affordable education before the end of the year.
“As children we hate being sent home from school for failing to pay fees. This is embarrassing. We want to participate in class,” said Never Mukuyu, of Dhirihori Secondary school.
Mukuyu said there should be free primary education and affordable government subsidised education at secondary level.
Rabson Mazuru of Murewa Centre said the coming government should as a matter of urgency decentralise industrial infrastructure to rural areas.
“To empower and improve the economic fortunes of rural people, government should bring industry to rural growth points. Jobs should be made available to rural populations to avoid the rural to urban migration,” he said. Without exceptions, those interviewed said they hoped their vote would make a difference this time around.
They expect their will to be respected and bring a people-centred government into office.
Post published in: News