Zimbabwe industrial hub a ‘ghost town’
Economists say reviving Bulawayo’s industries would cost at least $2bn after 87 companies closed last year.
Published On 18 Mar 2013
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city, has gone from a booming industrial hub to a ghost town with empty factories now a common site.
The country is rich in resources such as diamonds and platinum, but factory owners say with their old machinery, high operating costs and limited capital they have no option but to shut down.
Government figures show that 87 companies closed last year in Bulawayo alone.
Economists say reviving the city’s industries and attracting investors will cost at least $2bn – it is unlikely they will receive those funds any time soon.
Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Adow reports from Bulawayo.
Source: Al Jazeera