By Seliphar Machoni
Stuck in the mud after a rainy evening, Harriet, who was coming from the market, was unable to
pass with her goods. As a mama mboga at Chivaywa market, she relies on the roads to transport
her produce.
“Why are our leaders like this? When our MCA was campaigning, he promised to pave this road
to make it easier for us business people and farmers to transport our goods. But now, it seems
like he forgot about it. Even our governor is doing nothing,” Harriet lamented as she collected
some of her vegetables that had fallen in the mud.
This issue- one of many- was addressed during a youth community engagement forum at
Luandeti, hosted by Siasa Place. Self-employed youths, like Harriet and Stephen, a boda boda
rider, expressed their frustration over the damaged road leading to Kaburengu.
“I wonder where they are now. They convinced us to vote for them with promises of paving our
roads, but it's been two years, and nothing has happened,” Stephen complained.
The youth in the forum called upon the county government leaders to honour their promises and
deliver what they had pledged to the citizens.
During the forum, participants passionately discussed the importance of holding leaders
accountable. Many young attendees expressed frustration over the lack of transparency in local
government operations.
"We need leaders who are transparent and committed to serving the community, not just their
interests," said a local youth leader, Tyron.
The attendees called for greater civic participation and demanded regular government projects
and expenditure updates.
