HARARE Zimbabwes capital city is slowly regaining its sunshine city status with notable improvements in street cleaning and public parks maintenance. There has also been work done to restore the beauty of some of the citys attractions such as Africa Unity Square.Though these developments are slow, the city council still faces the challenge of getting the squares water fountains to work; the fountains have been a major attraction for children, adults and tourists alike.
The most intriguing sight in the square was the heavy presence of armed riot police. The police were deployed to quell peaceful demonstrations against President Robert Mugabes failure to address the living standards of Zimbabweans. However, with an all inclusive government in place, the public have expressed their disgust at their continuing occupation of the park.
In a snap survey by The Zimbabwean, a number of residents felt the Africa Unity Square resembled a battle zone. “The heavy presence of the police at the Africa Unity Square brings back horrific memories for us. This is absurd,” said an employee from a nearby supermarket.
He is one of the many Zimbabweans who visit the park on their lunch hour. Moses Mawidze, who used to use the park, said he no longer felt comfortable there as this was yet another form of public censorship.
The riot police set up camp in the park every morning and some of them were selling airtime for mobile phones as a sideline business.
“While we need safety and police protection, in this case the police are threatening the very people they are supposed to protect,” said an Avenues resident. Grail Kupakuwana
Post published in: News