Rumbidzai Mhlanga
In a powerful display of unity, residents of Cowdray Park, one of Bulawayo’s most populous suburbs, have taken a stand against years of marginalization.
On Saturday, over 200 community members gathered at a People’s Assembly to voice their frustrations over inadequate infrastructure and services, spotlighting the glaring disparities in urban development.
The assembly, organized by the Fight Inequality Alliance Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD), was part of the “Red Line to Billionaires” campaign. This initiative seeks to bridge the vast economic divide by advocating for policies that favor the less privileged.
Residents like MaSikhosana painted a stark picture of life in Cowdray Park. “Look at how we live; there are no roads, sewer systems, or clean water. Samples taken recently show that the water we drink is dirty, yet our leaders have done nothing for over 20 years. We have fewer schools, and our children learn in congested places because we can’t afford private schools,” she described, encapsulating the daily struggles faced by many.
Echoing her sentiments, another resident from Ward 6 added, “In Ward 6, we pay higher rates than suburbs like Luveve and Gwabalanda, yet our roads are worse and we lack basic services like clinics and schools. Children travel long distances to access education, leaving them perpetually exhausted and disadvantaged. We need equal access to opportunities for our children.”
Healthcare was another focal point of the assembly. Violet Honde, a local, voiced her concerns about medical services, “All I ask is that hospitals have enough medicine and that resources are distributed equally so everyone can enjoy their rights and be satisfied with the service delivery.”
The assembly didn’t just highlight problems but also demanded solutions. Participants pushed for policies to tax the super-rich, aiming for a more equitable distribution of resources. There was a palpable call for accountability from local leaders, with some suggesting demonstrations to amplify their grievances.
The People’s Assembly in Cowdray Park has set a precedent, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic changes to tackle inequality. The issues raised are to be compiled and presented to policymakers, ensuring that the voices from Cowdray Park resonate at the highest levels of decision-making.
For the residents of Cowdray Park, the assembly was more than just a meeting; it was a declaration that sustainable development and equitable resource distribution are not just aspirations but necessities for their community’s future. The path forward is clear: equality and improved service delivery must become a reality, not just a promise.
