US Ambassador Pamela Tremont labeled corruption a significant issue in Zimbabwe, calling it a cancer that robs the populace of resources. During the US Independence Day celebrations, Tremont underscored the impact of corruption on trade and investment. Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index reveals a worsening situation, placing Zimbabwe at 158th out of 180 countries. Minister Amon Murwira invited US investors, emphasizing the need for improvement in the nation’s investment climate, while concerns about project costs persist.
The United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, recently characterized corruption as a serious issue, likening it to cancer that deprives the Zimbabwean people of their valuable resources. Speaking at the 249th US Independence Day celebrations in Harare, she emphasized that corruption undermines trade and investment in the country. Tremont stressed the urgent need to address this issue to improve Zimbabwe’s economic landscape.
According to the Prosecutor General’s office, Zimbabwe loses an estimated US$2 billion every year due to corrupt practices and illicit deals. During her address, Ambassador Tremont called for decisive action, stating, “A strong stance against corruption is also imperative, as it is corrosive to an investment climate.” She encouraged efforts to combat the pervasive corruption that negatively impacts the economy and increases business costs within Zimbabwe.
Tremont further noted that establishing a corruption-free environment would invigorate the business and trade sectors, making them more rewarding for the citizens. She remarked, “A healthy, vibrant investment climate would create a culture of opportunity—an opportunity for what our founders 249 years ago called ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ That is what we celebrate today.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira acknowledged the government’s challenges concerning corruption, though he did not delve into specifics. He reiterated Zimbabwe’s goal to improve its investment climate and recognized the nation’s ongoing learning process, drawing inspiration from the United States. “We wish, therefore, to invite all potential United States investors to come and invest in Zimbabwe,” he said.
This comes as Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) highlights a deteriorating corruption situation in Zimbabwe’s public sector. The nation has consistently ranked poorly on global corruption indices; currently, it sits at 158th out of 180 countries. Alarmingly, Zimbabwe has slid down the rankings from 149th in 2023, indicating a rise in perceived corruption levels.
Additionally, the recently unveiled Trabablas Interchange in Harare has sparked further suspicion regarding potential corruption in public projects. Critics are questioning the US$88 million cost, arguing that it seems disproportionately high when compared to prevailing regional market rates. This raises concerns over how much Zimbabweans must pay for infrastructure funded amid ongoing corruption debates.
Ambassador Pamela Tremont’s statements at the US Independence Day celebrations underline the pervasive threat of corruption in Zimbabwe, equating it to a cancer that must be eradicated for the country’s well-being. The emphasis on a corruption-free environment is seen as crucial for enhancing trade and business opportunities. Coupled with poor rankings in global corruption indices and concerns surrounding government projects, it paints a challenging picture for Zimbabwe’s economic future as it seeks to improve its investment climate.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
