Zimbabwe plight

I want to thank the Post-Gazette for highlighting the plight of Zimbabwe when so much of the international press is ignoring the incredible hardship of the Zimbabwean people, (Feb. 2, “Crossroads in Zimbabwe”).

What the editorial doesn’t reflect is how horrendous the economics of the country are. Not only is gas now at around $13 per gallon, but the country has run out of currency. The country has for a number of years now been using U.S. dollars and, for various reasons, they have run out of currency.

People wait in long lines for hours and come out of a bank with $20. A bond system of payment was introduced but that is worthless. Furthermore, the price rise on gas there was rioting and looting and many of the stores have no merchandise and no money to restock. Children are not going to school because the parents can’t afford the transportation costs and food comes before school.

As the editorial suggests, after great hope for the future Zimbabwe with the ousting of Robert Mugabe, the country is now in another horrendous economic crisis and there is no easy answer in sight.

My sister is the director of a school for children with disabilities in Bulawayo, the secondlargest city in Zimbabwe, and, with over 80 boarders, they are struggling to get enough food to feed the children.

It is important the people are aware of what is happening and for the international community to put pressure on the present government to work with the opposition to find a solution.

SCILLA WAHRHAFTIG Wilmington, Ohio The writer is formerly of Pittsburgh.