Walk the talk, revive Byo industries: Residents

Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO residents have urged the government to walk the talk when it comes to the revival of the city’s industries as this was part of their New Year expectations.Residents who spoke to Chronicle said a lot had been said about the revival of the city’s industries but nothing concrete had materialised.

“There has been a lot of talk about revival of industries but we haven’t seen much action on the side of the government. They should put their words into action. 2015 should be a delivery year not empty promises,” said Melusi Manabe, a student at local university.

Moses Nyoni said it was important that the government works on resuscitating industries to create employment.

He said joblessness was leading to an increase in crime in the city.

“We want the country to be developed. Bulawayo and some parts of Matabeleland are lagging behind in everything. Industries shutdown and unemployment is rife. I’m not surprised that crime is increasing,” said Nyoni.

He said the government should also prioritise children’s education and ensure that every child goes school.

“Some of our children are not attending school because of lack of funds. My wish is that the government avails money so that all the children can go to school as this is key to future development,” he said.

Sipho Mlauzi concurred with Nyoni saying her wish was for the country to move beyond its economic challenges.

“Our children are not employed and we hope the government can do something to improve the country’s economy. We want our children to be working because even after graduating from universities, we still have to take care of them,” said Mlauzi.

Another resident, Tawanda Hove said he was hopeful that the recent Cabinet reshuffle will usher a paradigm shift in government and improve governance.

“There have been some structural changes in government and I’m hopeful that this will lead to the economy performing better.
“The country has been facing challenges accessing capital but in 2015 Foreign Direct Investments flows into the country,” said Hove.