‘Poverty levels high in Bulawayo’

TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO 

 Poverty levels are high in the country’s second largest city, Bulawayo, on the back of company closures, a resident association has said.

It comes at a time when the government indicated that this year’s main Independence Day Anniversary will be held in Bulawayo, for the first time in the history of the country.

In the past the main independence celebrations were held in Harare.

The Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association chairperson, Ambrose Sibindi,  said many industries in the city have closed, sending thousands of workers onto the streets.

(There is) high unemployment rate and the poverty levels (are  alarming).

We cannot just celebrate (independence) for nothing. Celebrating and ululating is not the answer,” Sibindi said.

He said the government has shown much energy in organising the independence celebrations in Bulawayo.

But, the administration , he said, should also apply the same energy in reviving the city’s industry.

“The other issue is that I think you are aware that Bulawayo was known as an industrial hub for years. But, now, all the industries have closed up and those buildings are now church buildings. People are busy worshipping there,” he said.

However, Sibindi said some industries such as the hospitality companies will benefit from the independence celebrations. 

“On a positive note, some industries, especially the hotel industry will benefit through bookings,” he said.

Bulawayo was scheduled to host the 40th Independence Day celebrations in 2020 before the national event was postponed after the Government declared a National Disaster and enforced a lockdown as part of measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.