The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) is gearing up for its upcoming summit this August.
Zimbabwe will assume leadership of the bloc during this event.
In anticipation of the summit, the Zimbabwean government has initiated various development projects aimed at enhancing the nation’s image.
The government’s efforts include refurbishing roads leading to the New Parliament building in Mt. Hampden.
They are also constructing villas to accommodate SADC leaders. Additionally, a new road linking the parliament to Second Street extension is underway.
Transitioning from these projects, the government hopes to present a clean and modern cityscape.
There are speculations that the recent crackdown on vendors in Harare’s Central Business District aims to impress SADC leaders.
Critics have questioned the allocation of resources towards renovating Julius Nyerere Avenue while neglecting other areas with dire infrastructural needs.
Moreover, skepticism surrounds the construction of an eight-lane boulevard. This is especially concerning given its limited daily traffic flow, primarily serving parliamentary sessions.
These investments come at a time when Zimbabwe is grappling with the El Niño-induced drought.
This drought prompted President Mnangagwa to seek aid from humanitarian agencies after declaring a national disaster.
Meanwhile, the nation faces a crisis in healthcare. The healthcare system is marked by inadequate cancer treatment facilities and medicine shortages in public hospitals.
Furthermore, dismal remuneration for medical personnel has led to a brain drain.
Amidst these pressing issues, the government’s focus on impressing SADC leaders raises concerns about misplaced priorities.
The primary duty of any government should be to serve its citizens. They should address immediate needs and improve livelihoods.
The people of Zimbabwe have long demanded action on critical matters such as economic recovery, currency stability, and combating rampant corruption.
Transitioning from these demands, unemployment remains a pressing issue. Many resort to street vending as a means of survival.
Sustainable solutions require a concerted effort to bolster the economy and create job opportunities.
This will enable citizens to secure stable incomes and break free from the cycle of poverty.
The pressing needs of Zimbabwean citizens demand immediate government attention.
Therefore, the Mnangagwa administration’s focus on appeasing SADC leaders is both imprudent and irresponsible.
True democracy necessitates that the government meets the desires and aspirations of its citizens, to whom they owe ultimate accountability.
It is evident that the upcoming SADC summit does not rank among the populace’s foremost concerns.
Their priorities lie elsewhere. The SADC summit could be an important event and strategic, considering Zimbabwe is taking over leadership of the bloc.
However, the government must never lose sight of its obligation to address the pressing needs of its citizens.
The well-being and aspirations of Zimbabwean citizens are more important than costly attempts to impress SADC heads of state.
Resources and efforts should be directed towards projects that benefit the majority of citizens. Extravagant displays that serve only a select few, such as constructing an eight-lane road to a predominantly high-security area, are not a priority.
Therefore, the government should prioritize citizens’ needs ahead of the SADC summit glitz.
