I remember very well when we used to come from the rural areas,
We could not sleep the previous night
Expectant of our next day by bus
A journey to the City
We were so filled with gusto that we will be going to see the city lights
In the so called sunshine city (Harare)
A City were people do not sleep….
By then – there was no rural electrification to talk about
It was enviable to visit and experience the City Life
The Bright Neon lights of the City
At that time there were no barber shops in rural areas.By the end of the school holiday, an English cut would ‘tell’ – you had been in the City.
All the other kids would come and surround you at break time and ask about your experience in the City.
You would narrate to them with zest about the episodes at the Agricultural show.
How we loved to be in the city?
They told us of bathing with tap water
Water mixed with Soda –
Water that lighten your skin
But now
Garbage is strewn all over
Robbers and thieves are on the loose
Kids now play with sewage effluent
Electricity is now epileptic
I Hear …
They now fetch water in the wells
They now use firewood to cook
They now get sick of cholera, dysentery, typhoid
They are told the Hwange and Kariba power stations have experienced mechanical faults
They are told be patient gentleman and ladies
Use power cautiously, sparingly and economically
Switch off all lights when you go to bed
They have been taught new romantic treats
Be romantic, make love in the Dark – save Energy!
The Hararians have become even more romantic – even the Die Hard traditionalists
Can now enjoy candle lit dinner
Thanks to the Power Utility for teaching the loved ones, how to have some romantic dinner events
Power supply is now epileptic.
The city has become a dangerous place during the night.
But the garages AND driveways of the rich – are lit the whole night
We hear others in the parastatals are being paid obscene salaries
Yet others are being paid starvation wages
We hear the Commuter Omnibuses are always playing hide-and-seek with the bribe seeking police
We hear traffic jam has increased
It all happens in the City we lost
We hear potholes are now a common feature in the City Roads
We mourn over….
A City we Lost!!!!
wamwonzora 