Ministry of Truth: Land baron, who do you think you are?

22 Nov, 2015 - 00:11 0 Views
Ministry of Truth: Land baron, who do you think you are? Fraudulent allocation of stands is said to be on the increase in Chitungwiza, allegedly being done by corrupt council officials

The Sunday Mail

Cde Jason Swan Zhuwao

One would think it was enough for them to benefit from monthly membership fees deposited in the bank accounts belonging to the numerous co-operatives they have set up, but sure enough, a greedy man is never satisfied.

“Pamberi neZanu PF!”
“Pamberi naVaMugabe!”
“Pamberi naDr Grace Mugabe”
“Pamberi nedzimba kuvanhu!” a zealous young man bellows with such fervour that allows a visible glow to escape from his otherwise dark face.
In immediate response and with militaristic unison follows a thundering “Pamberi!” from the enthused crowd clad in impressive regalia.
But who do you think you are, land baron? I say, “Pasi newe!”
When the Zanu-PF Government, dismayed with the growing housing waiting list, announced its desire to rectify the national crisis by opening up avenues for citizens to access affordable housing, it did not anticipate that it had presented some sly conmen with a self economic empowerment vehicle.
Alas, our local Press has been awash with headlines of citizens losing their hard-earned savings to bogus housing schemes or worse yet having to watch hopelessly as their properties are reduced to rubble.
It has become a carnival of flag hoisting along Harare’s peripheral suburbs as these unscrupulous “politicos” declare ownership of land they have absolutely no entitlement to.
Ok, be rogue if you wish, be counter-revolutionary if that is your calling, perfect your scoundrel’s skills; but find shame in promoting your misbegotten schemes under the guise of the Zanu-PF party, the President and the First Lady.
And sure enough, when the situation turns sour and the victims rise in protest, it is our Government and leadership who are tasked with the responsibility to right your wrongs.
The progress and success of Zim-Asset and the Ten-Point Economic Plan is hindered by enemies of progress such as these who unremorsefully create chaos where others are bringing order.
These are persons I regard as the black Ian Smiths of our times, selfish and dastardly to the core.
Even more worrying to the Ministry of Truth is the further involvement of our ruthless land barons in the city vending arena.
One would think it was enough for them to benefit from monthly membership fees deposited in the bank accounts belonging to the numerous co-operatives they have set up, but sure enough, a greedy man is never satisfied.
Their empire has extended to our city centres where they are receiving daily earnings from rented out vending space.
You will notice white tents mushrooming in the city centre where each vendor is charged US$2,50 per day’s use of space therein.
Again this gang has found opportunity in crisis.
In the same manner that they presented themselves as individuals desperate to solve Harare’s housing problems, they have come out eager to be considered as the answer to the urban vending crisis.
Just another day in the office for Al Capone.
Dear readers, allow me to emphatically state that Zimbabwe’s solutions to any of the issues it faces will never emanate from fly-by-night schemes that benefit an individual or small coterie of people.
Do not be fooled!
Solutions are found in comprehensive plans where there is collective effort from Government, civil society and business/industry.
In that regard I would like to applaud Government for launching “Build Zimbabwe”, a scheme that will see one million housing units and residential stands being availed to the public over the next few years.
In partnership with the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Housing Association and CBZ, the programme has received rave reviews particularly because of its holistic approach to the housing matter.
The most important aspect of the scheme is that it protects home-seekers from unprincipled businesspersons who have politicised housing delivery when it is a fundamental right of the populace; a right which our Government is fully committed to honouring.
To the authorities, I implore you – on behalf of the many victims of vice – to round up all corrupt dealers without restraint.
If allowed to continue the wealth built by these men and women will accumulate to figures which will give them free reign to control the cities beyond just housing and vending.
It will be a sad day when such persons’ wealth privileges them to dictate the political landscape of our nation as is the intention of most of them.
Again I say unequivocally, “Land baron, pasi newe!”

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