Zimbabwe Economic Crisis: City dwellers move out due to power outages and lack of resources

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Many in Zimbabwe's cities are dealing with power and water shortages. This is making things all the more difficult for those who choose to move from rural areas for a better life in the city. CGTN's Thuli Tshabalala reports.

For many in rural areas, the dream is to move to the city for a better and easier life. But now those basic necessities are a thing of the past in Zimbabwe.

GOGO SIPHIWE MUNYENGETERWA HARARE RESIDENT "When we lived here in Harare, everything was bright. But now the lack of power is making life difficult for us. I am now young anymore, my children take care of me by usually sending me food in bulk. However, now it's all rotting in the refrigerator."

For many here in Harare, finding power to cook basic meals or even water to clean, has become a challenge.

At the same time, health hazards like cholera and typhoid are plaguing the commercial capital.

Continuous power outages have left many here helpless as they battle to access candles and firewood in the urban city.

GOGO SIPHIWE MUNYENGETERWA HARARE RESIDENT "I have grandchildren that need to eat. How do I cook for them when electricity only comes after midnight? Should I then be waking up at 2 am to cook for my grandchildren and make sure they have everything they need? I cannot get firewood in is town. Where will I find trees to chop?"

As resources disappear in urban cities, many Zimbabweans are opting to return to rural areas.

The reason being, they'll source their water at the nearby stream and firewood from surrounding communes, making life a lot easier.

Thuli Tshabalala, CGTN.