Loan Funded Luxury Project Criticized For Economic Impact

By Own Correspondent

The VIP lounge at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport has sparked outrage among Zimbabweans, who are calling it a symbol of the government’s extravagance and disconnect from the struggles of ordinary citizens. Critics argue that the luxurious facility is a waste of resources, particularly in a country facing economic hardship and infrastructure challenges.

Many have taken to social media to express their discontent, with some calling for the lounge to be converted into a facility that benefits the broader public. Others have questioned the need for a VIP lounge when the airport’s general facilities are in disrepair.

The controversy has reignited debates about the government’s priorities and its commitment to addressing the country’s pressing issues

United Zimbabwe alliance party leader, Elisabeth Valerio said, “Of what use is a gaudy First Lady’s lounge when so many of our citizens spend their days hungry?

Hospitals countrywide are severely short of medical staff, patients die daily due to inadequate medical equipment, and countless Zimbabweans are losing their lives on roads that remain dangerously neglected. The situation on the ground is dire, with urgent issues demanding the immediate attention of the President. Yet, instead of focusing on these critical matters, the government seems preoccupied with the comforts of a select few in VVIP lounges. Is this really where our national priorities should lie?” asked Valerio.

She however added that the six ostentatious lounges in the State Pavillion at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport are part of a US$153 million loan facility from China.

Zimbabwe is struggling to pay the international debts and the China one which is currently estimated to be over a billion dollars.

Zimbabwe’s debt to China has been a topic of concern in recent years. According to various reports, Zimbabwe owes China approximately $1.4 billion, which is a significant portion of the country’s total external debt. The debt is largely due to loans and credit facilities extended by China to Zimbabwe for various infrastructure development projects.

The Citizens concern on the debts, will further hamstring Zimbabwe with the costs of upkeep.

Valerio added, there is a lounge for the President, another for the First Lady, and additional lounges for the Vice Presidents, Ministers, Service Chiefs, and Diplomats. Meanwhile, Air Zimbabwe is not operating at full capacity, and our national transport infrastructure is in a state of disarray. We have a barely functioning domestic flight network with limited routes – primarily to Bulawayo – and our vital railway system has come to a virtual standstill.

While the loans have helped finance critical infrastructure projects, the debt has become a burden for Zimbabwe, which is struggling to pay back the loans due to its economic challenges. The debt has also raised concerns about China’s growing influence in Zimbabwe and the potential for debt-trap diplomacy, where China uses debt to exert political and economic control over borrowing countries.

Zimbabwe’s government has been trying to negotiate with China to restructure the debt and extend the repayment period, but so far, no agreement has been reached.

Experts said, “It is a grave injustice that this excessive expenditure will ultimately be paid for by the very citizens who are enduring immense suffering. A government that spends on luxury while its people rely on the charity of foreigners is neither responsible nor honourable”.

“Before anyone rests in those unnecessary lounges, work must be done to uplift the nation of Zimbabwe and address the urgent needs of our people,” Valerio said