ZANU PF needs self-introspection especially to be focused on its capacity first before seeking to transform Zimbabwe socially and economically.
As things stand, Zanu PF is devoid of leadership at many levels and is entangled in its own internal politics as well as corruption which means the party has no capacity nor a vision beyond politicking.
The party needs to focus on the reality on the ground and develop solutions that address challenges and not make endless promises.
Information received from the mayors in MDC-T-dominated councils on how service delivery has been undermined by political interference from Zanu PF politicians, especially Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo, confirms the party has no clue of turning around the fortunes of the country.
According to MDC-T mayors who briefed their principal Morgan Tsvangirai on Friday, revenues are dwindling in almost all the local authorities especially after Chombo ordered councils to cancel all debts in the run-up to the July 31 election.
It is an undeniable fact that councils are struggling even to raise money for salaries, let alone to invest in delivery projects like water and sanitation, roads, refuse collection and housing, among other key deliverables.
For instance, we are told, in the city of Gweru Chombo’s populist decision has seen revenues dwindle from $2 million per month to $500 000 against a salary bill of about $600 000.
In Chitungwiza, revenues plummeted to $1 million per month against a wage bill of $1,7 million, meaning there will be nothing for service delivery and other capital expenditure.
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A helicopter view of the situation of all councils shows that most local authorities are in arrears in the payment of salaries as they begin to reel from the effect of Zanu PF’s populist decisions to cancel debts.
Added to disruptions in service delivery, the Zanu PF administration is failing to feed millions of citizens facing starvation in both urban and rural areas. The party, which does not waste time in reminding us that it fought a protracted bush war to attain independence in 1980, has failed to inspire confidence in the market with blue-chip firm Delta Beverages on Friday issuing a trade update to that effect.
We agree with the beverages firm — the country is witnessing a significant slowdown in consumer spending and economic activity. Delta added that this was particularly pronounced in the third quarter, the traditional holiday peak period. The firm reported a total beverage volume for the quarter that is flat against the same period last year.
Need we say more? Zanu PF is taking us on a garden path.
