Dutch Envoy Condemns Property Grab In Zim
Bulawayo, 20 September, 2012 – Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Barbara
Jazoisse, has condemned the ongoing land invasions, grabbing of foreign
owned companies in Zimbabwe and the violation of investment treaties between
the two countries, saying this is hurting investor confidence.
Zanu (PF), army, intelligence and police officials were recently fingered in
the invasion of the Save Conservancy in Masvingo.
“We are very much concerned about the on-going land invasions. The economic
developments and employment goes down in Zimbabwe. We have bilateral
agreements with Zimbabwe and we are very concerned that our treaties are not
being respected. It is also bad in that the Dutch investment is also
damaged.
“Dutch investors are losing confidence because of this. We have tried to
engage the authorities but they are doing nothing about it. We are very much
concerned about this. All this undermines investor confidence,” Jazoisse
told journalists in Bulawayo during a press conference on Thursday.
Jazoisse also condemned the grabbing of companies under the guise of
empowerment saying it undermines investor confidence.
“There is nothing wrong with empowerment. The question is, is this
indigenisation going to help the majority of Zimbabweans?
“Confidence, property rights and the rule of law guarantees investment. I do
not believe the people will be empowered when no investors are coming into
the country,” Jazoisse said. “The economic cake should grow so that everyone
benefits.”
Jazoisse said the Dutch government committed US$40 million last year to
Zimbabwe while US$2 million had been set aside for food security for the
year.
She added that transparency was required at the diamond mines.
“Zimbabwe is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of minerals
but transparency is lacking…you have to weed corruption so that revenue
generated from the abundant natural resources are channeled through
treasury,” she said.
Joziasse also said urged the media to play a pivotal role in nation
building, saying negative reporting hurt the country.
“I am not Zimbabwean and l cannot tell you how to run your country
but…before you write anything you must ask yourself a question on what
benefits the article will bring to the country.”