LETTERS - Zimbabwean crisis
Zimbabwean crisisBy Alex Zulu
Sunday March 18, 2007 [02:00]
The past few days have seen the condemination of the Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe over the beating of Morgan Tsvangirai, the MDC leader and some of his party members for attending an 'illegal prayer meeting'.Violence in whatever form should be condemed regardless of who is perpetuating it.
The crisis in Zimbabwe is a complex one and needs to be handled very carefully. There are very strong forces both internally and externally that are causing this crisis and dialogue should be the best tool to save the total collapse of once a great producer of food and other manufactured goods in Africa.
The land seizures that were initiated to redistribute land to the majority landless blacks was done with haste and has proved to be a failure in terms of food production. The land seizures upset the British government whose interests were affected as former colonial masters.
When Robert Mugabe and ZANU PF won an election it was termed that the elections were not free and fair by the British and their allies which saw the introduction of multiple sanctions which have crippled the Zimbabwean economy. The policy statement by Tony Blair of regime change in Zimbabwe of an elected government is regreatable because this is selective. Looking at the elections in Ethopia and Uganda, would you say they were free and fair? Why are sanctions not being advocated?
It is a question of double standards. Morgan Tsvangirai is being seen largely as a British-sponsored politician to serve the interests of the British. The sanctions against Zimbabwe have hit hard the ordinary Zimbabweans and not Mugabe or Tsvangirai.
I would urge the British government and their allies to consider lifting sanctions for the sake of the ordinary suffering Zimbabweans. Mugabe and Tsvangarai should humble themselves and begin to dialogue for a better Zimbabwe for all.
Elder Africa statesmen should not shy away from this crisis. Dr Kaunda, Dr Sam Nujoma please, it's your responsibility.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=23984
Improvement of structures
By Gady Mwamba Museka
Sunday March 18, 2007 [02:00]
In as much as we would like to bring sanity in our towns/compounds, let us remember that we are dealing with people’s lives. Why is it that in this world those who are affected are the poorest of the poor? I say this because I don’t think in middle class areas and apamwamba’s areas, there are no illegal structures?
Now my point is let us just ask those people who have already built on the illegal land to just obtain the building plans from the council and pay construction fees to the council. This will in turn assist the councils to raise funds.
Only those illegal structures that have been built on the places, which are a danger to human life like under electricity pylons and water pipes and other reserved areas for roads, schools etc should be relocated to safer and other places. As it is said it is easy to destroy than to build.
Let the town planners and other stakeholders in the affected areas meet and go to the affected areas with the owners of the affected buildings so that an amicable solution could be found.
I strongly feel improvement to those structures will do good to the people affected and will also make the towns look smart as well as make money for the councils in rates, building permission fees etc. Otherwise land is a very sensitive issue which we need to handle with care!
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=23985
High prices of cement
By Chisha
Sunday March 18, 2007 [02:00]
The price of cement is once again headed for the sky. One should count themselves lucky to even find it especially in Kitwe. Can the powers that be please come to our aid on this. I find this situation totally unacceptable considering that the only company that produces cement in this country not too long ago, agressively persuaded the government to impose a ban on cement imports and succeded. Why then should we now have a shortage and have to pay an arm and a leg for a pocket should we be lucky enough to find it?
We have a serious shortage of housing units in this country and everyone has recognised this fact. That’s the reason why there has been an upsurge in housing construction lately, hence the increase in demand for building materials. I think the government should encourage as many people as possible to construct their own homes as a way to reduce the exploitatative tendencies of landlords and also create employment thereby reducing poverty levels.
The government must lift the ban on cement imports immediately to satisfy the increased demand and also to stabilise the prices.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=23988
Youth fund, who is responsible?
By Br. Gersh, Makeni
Sunday March 18, 2007 [02:00]
I want comment on the youth fund. First I thank the government for being so considerate to the youths by allocating a good sum of money in this year’s budget for the empowerment of youths in the country.
Now the question I have is, who is responsible/accountable for this money? I say so because the money which was set for youth empowerment in last year’s budget did not really reach the intended people, the youths, but went into the pockets of some selfish elders and no one has been questioned. All is quiet despite the youths raising their complaints.
This gives me the feeling that even this year although money has been set apart for the youths, they won’t get it because there is no one responsible and accountable for it.
So what I suggest is that the government, as it is trying to fight corruption, should first investigate what really happened to last year’s youth fund and then try this time to make sure that the money reaches the youths.
If the government is really concerned with youth empowerment they should take this issue seriously and make sure that all those who are found wanting are brought to book. The money is meant for the youths and it should go to the youths and not to anybody else.
Empower the youths and you will build a better Zambia. Bravo youths, go get your money and use it well.
Labels: CONSTRUCTION, YOUTHS, ZIMBABWE
posted by MrK @ 3:17 AM
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