Online Reporter
Stephen Mpofu
MAGNETIC place names such as the “Sunshine City” for Harare and the “City of Kings and Queens” for Bulawayo are powerful drawcards for tourism and investment. To retain their appeal as lucrative business centres, these cities must be kept clean, attractive and welcoming, even as they evolve with the times. Much like a beautiful person remains attractive regardless of the clothes they wear, a city’s appeal should endure despite changing circumstances.
As such, Harare and Bulawayo should continue to attract foreign investors and tourists in a manner befitting their “Sunshine City” and “City of Kings and Queens” reputations.
At least Victoria Falls, the town named after Britain’s Queen Victoria, has preserved its magnetic appeal. This is evident in the steady stream of tourists and investors who continue to flock to the resort town, creating employment opportunities and contributing to economic growth.
The implication is clear: cleanliness in Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo should be regarded as a top priority by businesses, local authorities and residents alike.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The signs of urban decay are increasingly visible in both Harare and Bulawayo. In response, the Government has intervened by directing vendors to conduct business in the city centre between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and until 8 p.m. in the suburbs, as part of efforts to keep Harare clean, orderly and attractive for business.
The First Lady, Mrs Auxillia Mnangagwa, recently expressed her disappointment at the state of decay in the capital following a tour of the city. She called on businesses and residents to do everything possible to restore Harare to its proud status as the capital of our great motherland.
A similar clean-up drive is urgently needed in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s manufacturing hub. Every year, the city hosts the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, attracting foreign businesses seeking investment opportunities. A cleaner, safer and more vibrant city would further enhance its attractiveness, leading to greater investment and more employment opportunities for the jobless.
A clean-up of violent crime is equally urgent and, indeed, overdue. Earlier this week, in a shocking act of banditry, a businessman carrying a bag containing US$10 000 to a waiting car driven by his son was shot and killed by robbers, who escaped with the money. A manhunt is underway to bring the criminals to justice.
A concerted effort to tackle drug and substance abuse among children is also imperative. Parents must take greater responsibility in safeguarding their children, as drug abuse has the potential to destroy their education, health and future prospects.
Beitbridge must also be continuously monitored to curb the inflow of drugs and illicit substances allegedly smuggled into the country through South Africa after being sourced from East Africa.
Above all, every Zimbabwean has a role to play in keeping our beautiful motherland clean, safe and attractive. Only through collective responsibility can Zimbabwe remain a magnetic drawcard for business investment and a destination of choice for tourists from around the world.
