More opposition MPS walk to work in solidarity with the masses

By Violet Gonda

22 September 2005

Some MDC MPs have now joined their President Morgan Tsvangirai's 'walking' crusade. Motivated by the desire to be in solidarity with the average person who is suffering so badly from the crippling fuel shortage, MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai started a campaign of walking to work last Friday.

Thursday saw MP for Harare Central Murisi Zwizwai, Mabvuku-Tafara MP Timothy Mubhawu and MP for Mufakose, Paurina Mpariwa walking to work in sympathy with their suffering constituents. More MPs from Harare and Chitungwiza are expected to join the solidarity walk on Friday. It's also reported that from next week leaders of civil society will be joining. Tsvangirai's spokesman William Bango said the campaign is gaining momentum. He said the Chairman of the National Constitutional Assembly, Dr Lovemore Madhuku, has confirmed that he will take part from Monday.

Speaking to SW Radio Africa last week the MDC President said he was touched by the plight of millions of workers walking long distances for as long as 4 hours. He said: "This thing has become so entrenched that people are accepting it as normal. We need to draw attention to the plight of Zimbabweans over the fuel issue."

The whole country has virtually run out of fuel. Petrol stations have dried up and essential services are at a standstill. The fuel shortage is so critical that only a few ambulances are on the road. There is no refuse collection or critical water deliveries.