Chin’ono calls for a modern public transport system
Award-winning Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has called for a modern public transport system in Zimbabwe, citing the country’s abundant natural resources as a potential source of funding. In a statement, Chin’ono said that Zimbabwe could have trams as a mode of public transport within 24 months if the country had capable leaders who were not corrupt and had ambition and vision.
“This is how a modern public transport system works, it is affordable and there are many Zimbabweans working in management of public tram systems in Europe, Asia and beyond,” he said.
Chin’ono criticized the ruling party, ZANUPF, and its elites for blaming sanctions for the country’s problems and using propaganda to mislead the public.
He pointed out that the tram system in the French city of Montpellier cost less than US$100 million to install, while ZANUPF elites smuggle gold worth over US$150 million every month. “There you have it, numbers don’t lie,” he said.
Chin’ono also criticized the government for looting public funds and buying luxury cars and mansions in South Africa and Dubai, instead of investing in public infrastructure.
He said that the US$15 billion that was looted from Chiadzwa diamonds could have been used to install a tram transport system in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Masvingo, Kwekwe, Chegutu, Marondera, Bindura, Chinhoyi, Kariba and Victoria Falls for only US$2 billion, with US$13 billion left over for hospitals, schools, roads, water systems and more. “Numbers don’t lie!” he said.
Chin’ono warned that the government might try to restart Ian Smith’s 1970s trains and call it public transportation in 2023, while driving around in Rolls Royces on potholed roads.
He criticized the government for blaming colonialism for its failures and criminality, despite the fact that all of Zimbabwe’s six central hospitals were built by the colonialists. “They still harp on about a war that ended half a century ago,” he said.
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