Without a doubt, the shockwaves that ZANU PF’s policies have created are not new. Notably, the party’s continued deprivation of citizens’ water access, a fundamental life necessity, reveals its blatant disregard for public welfare. Even years after theoretical independence, it remains an alarming reality that an approximate 82% to 89% of the population still lacks clean, potable, and safe water. The responsibility of this neglect rests heavily on the shoulders of ZANU PF.

Fueled by their ingrained culture of primitive accumulation and an underlying backdrop of poverty-induced population explosion, ZANU PF’s reign continues to push an increasing number of people into the abyss of water scarcity. Moreover, the party’s dogged refusal to allow those capable, particularly the opposition, to address this issue compounds the situation. The opposition’s transparent and accountable solutions could potentially mitigate this escalating crisis, but ZANU PF stands as a hindrance.

According to section 77 of the nation’s supreme law, every individual holds an undeniable right to safe, clean, and portable water. However, the state, unfortunately entwined with the ZANU PF, exhibits a futile pursuit of a one-party state, failing to realise this fundamental right. In parallel, the state, assumed not to be fused with the ZANU PF by the supreme law, should engage reasonable legislative and other measures to ensure the progressive realisation of this constitutional right.

However, the situation in Chinhoyi starkly showcases ZANU PF’s persistent violation of the section 77 provision. ZANU PF’s refusal to permit the drilling of boreholes in Chinhoyi lays bare their neglect of people’s basic right to clean and safe water. The party’s objection hinges on the involvement of opposition officials in this initiative. Their sensitivity towards the people’s plight and submission to the constitution drove them to propose drilling boreholes.

ZANU PF’s officials, however, perceived this as a threat to their status quo. A successful drilling operation would indisputably boost public support for the opposition, threatening ZANU PF’s stronghold in Chinhoyi and diminishing their parliamentary majority. Thus, to dodge such repercussions, ZANU PF seems to prefer citizens deprived of clean water over a populace thankful to an opposition actively working towards the realisation of section 77.

Such regressive behaviour from ZANU PF sharply contrasts its partisan culture. If given a choice, the party would likely allow borehole drilling exclusively in areas with its loyal supporters. This contrasts with the opposition’s approach, which aims to ensure boreholes are drilled in neutral zones, making clean water accessible to everyone, irrespective of their political leanings. This dichotomy between ZANU PF and the opposition clearly showcases the latter’s subservient leadership, genuinely prioritising people’s welfare.

The misalignment of ZANU PF’s policies with the progressive realisation of basic human rights reveals the party’s true colours. The denial of clean, safe, and portable water access to the masses is a blatant contradiction to development, making ZANU PF the epitome of progressive failure. As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with the dire consequences of this water crisis, it is essential to scrutinise ZANU PF’s intentions and their impact on the nation’s progress.