Chamisa demands accountability after Chivhu tragedy
HARARE — Former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has criticised the Government over what he described as a growing pattern of preventable tragedies and suffering facing Zimbabweans.
Chamisa said he was deeply saddened by the latest disaster in Chivhu, coming barely weeks after the deadly tragedy in Kariba and amid Government-backed demolitions of homes and buildings belonging to citizens.
“I am deeply saddened by the disaster in Chivhu. Last week, Kariba. Then the government-backed demolition of homes and buildings belonging to innocent citizens,” Chamisa said.
He argued that Zimbabweans were increasingly being confronted by crises that could have been prevented, accusing those in positions of political leadership of failing to respond with sufficient urgency and compassion.
“Almost every week, Zimbabweans are confronted by preventable tragedy and suffering. These are not statistics. These are our people. Our families. Our citizens,” he said.
Chamisa questioned whether the country’s political leadership was sufficiently concerned about the suffering of ordinary citizens.
“To those at the political helm: Does this not concern you?” he asked.
He went on to question the level of urgency and accountability within the Government, while also demanding greater leadership and compassion towards citizens.
“Where is the urgency? Where is the accountability? Where is the leadership? Where is the compassion for We, the Citizens?” he said.
Chamisa said the country could not afford to become accustomed to tragedies and hardships that affected ordinary people.
“We cannot normalise suffering. We cannot look away,” he said.
The former opposition leader said Zimbabwe needed a leadership system that prioritised the lives, dignity and welfare of its citizens.
“Zimbabwe deserves leadership that puts the lives, dignity and welfare of its citizens first,” he said.
Chamisa concluded his statement by reiterating his call for citizens to take a central role in determining how the country is governed.
“WE, THE CITIZENS, MUST GOVERN!” he said.
His remarks come against the backdrop of the recent Chivhu road disaster and the earlier Kariba boat tragedy, which have triggered public concern over safety, accountability and the Government’s response to disasters.
