MPs demand answers on closed Bulawayo industries

Opposition members of Parliament have called on the government to provide clear timelines and concrete plans for the revival of Bulawayo's once-thriving industries, which have faced a steep decline in recent years. Bulawayo, once known as Zimbabwe's industrial hub, has seen a significant downturn, with many factories shutting down, relocating to Harare or other cities, or scaling back operations, leading to widespread job losses.

During a parliamentary session, Tendai Nyathi, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator for Lobengula-Magwegwe, demanded answers regarding the government's commitment to revitalizing Bulawayo's industrial sector. Nyathi referenced the State of the Nation Address given by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, questioning what concrete steps the government had taken to address the city's industrial decline.

"What plans does the government have in terms of resuscitating Bulawayo as a business hub, particularly in light of the State of the Nation Address given by the President?" Nyathi asked.

In response, Acting Leader of Government Business and Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka, pointed to sanctions as a major factor contributing to the industrial downturn in Bulawayo. He argued that the city's economic challenges were the result of targeted sanctions imposed by Western countries.

"Indeed, Bulawayo, the City of Kings and Queens, historically and geographically, is the engine in terms of business for the country. Entities such as the National Railways of Zimbabwe have their headquarters here," Masuka said. "These sanctions, imposed at the behest of others, have had far-reaching consequences, affecting the general population, leading to job losses."

Despite Masuka's explanations, Nyathi pushed for specific timeframes for the revival of Bulawayo's industries. However, the minister maintained that a plan was in place, without offering detailed timelines.

Cobarn Madzivanyika, CCC MP for Mbizo, expressed skepticism about the government's approach, arguing that the continued attribution of industrial decline to sanctions was insufficient. He questioned the validity of the sanctions argument, suggesting that it was being used as an excuse for the lack of action.

"I am concerned about the continued blame on sanctions as a cause for lack of industrialisation in this country," Madzivanyika said. "The question is, which sanctions are preventing us from industrializing?"

The debate highlights the ongoing political divide regarding the reasons behind Zimbabwe's economic challenges. While the ruling Zanu-PF party attributes the nation's economic woes to sanctions, particularly those imposed by the United States and the European Union, critics argue that the government's mismanagement of the economy and issues of corruption are to blame.

The opposition has consistently called for greater accountability and more effective strategies to address the pressing challenges facing Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's industrial heartland, and the wider economy.