Online Reporter
Stephen Mpofu, Perspective
YES, many law-abiding and responsible citizens will no doubt agree that had the Bulawayo and Gweru City Councils adhered strictly to the adage “a stitch in time saves nine,” the issues of violence involving machete-wielding gangs — now holding some Bulawayo suburbs under virtual siege — and the escalating rent defaults by residents in Gweru would by now be matters of the past, perhaps even reduced to folklore.
As previously noted in these columns, the City of Kings and Queens is internationally recognised as the host of annual trade exhibitions that attract potential foreign partners. The presence of machete-wielding gangs, however, risks tarnishing this reputation, potentially deterring foreign companies from engaging with their Zimbabwean counterparts — unless decisive action is taken immediately to put an end to this lawlessness once and for all.
In this regard, the authorities may wish to consider deploying the army in Bulawayo to restore order. While such a move might temporarily disrupt gold panning — an activity that contributes valuable foreign currency to the nation — it may be a necessary step if those involved in artisanal mining are indeed fuelling the violence.
Turning to the issue of rent defaults in Gweru, one must ask: were the council’s rent collectors asleep on the job, or perhaps distracted by social indulgences, allowing residents to divert ZWG20,6 million towards other interests instead of settling their arrears?
Now you (yes, you) consider this: should the council decide to prosecute the defaulters, there will undoubtedly be an outcry, with some irresponsible residents attempting to vilify the council.
This only reinforces the truth behind the headline — that swift action prevents minor issues from escalating. It is the duty of all local authority leaders, along with their overseeing ministry, to ensure that small sparks do not grow into raging infernos.
