Africa-Press – Angola. I was surprised when I was in the taxi that was going from the town of Viana to Zango, passing through the road that gives access to the cemetery and Viana Park, towards the Zango turnoff. This is an extremely deteriorated road, whose bad reputation is known to everyone. Local residents and regular passengers nicknamed the stretch of road the “UNITA road”.
The reason for the name is simple and disturbing: the UNITA party has its headquarters nearby, near Jembas, and the road stretches for about 10 to 15 km until Viana Park, where the asphalt finally appears. According to the citizens I shared the route with, they assume that the Provincial Government of Luanda simply refuses to rehabilitate the road due to political resentment. Is it a rumour or an uncomfortable truth that hangs like dust on that potholed road? The unresolved hatred between the MPLA and UNITA continues to punish the population.
It seems surreal, but this is how many people perceive it: the thing is not repaired because it passes through the opposition headquarters. If this is even remotely true, we are facing a shameful, undemocratic and inhumane attitude from a government that acts without any sense of state, putting partisan disputes above the well-being of the people.
And the people suffer. Most drivers heading to Zango are forced to take a long detour along the Expressway, passing through China Town, a longer, tiring and exhausting journey, especially after a full day’s work.
Another drama unfolds in Zango 1, where from 4pm onwards informal market vendors occupy a lane of the road with impunity, causing daily traffic jams. The urban disorganization is blatant. The police, instead of ensuring the fluidity and safety of traffic, seem to have surrendered to the disorder. Has the National Police really lost the ability to restore legality? Or is it that they are not given the necessary autonomy and order to act? What is going on, Mr. Provincial Commander of Icolo e Bengo? Mr. Municipal Commander of Calumbo?
It is legitimate to ask: how many more citizens will have to die run over by out-of-control vehicles before the State wakes up to its most basic responsibilities?
It is not just a bumpy road. Could it be the reflection of a government that has lost its way, that allows political rivalries to contaminate public administration? Governing is not about taking revenge. Governing is about caring, listening, and serving.
To deny the construction of a road because of a party’s headquarters is to deny humanity. It is also a sign of a group that has set out to lead the State, but has not yet reached maturity.
angola24
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