Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo is seen swimming in the river Seine on July 17, 2024 in Paris, France. The city’s mayor took a dip in the Seine amid concerns over water cleanliness ahead of the Olympic Games
By Correspondent
France has spent 1,4 billion euros within the last months cleaning up the River Seine.
The river is the venue for the triathlon and open water swimming competitions during the Paris Olympic Games.
Swimming in the Seine has been banned since 1923 because of pollution and boats.
However, after cleaning it, authorities plan to create local beaches and bathing areas on the river from 2025.
Meanwhile, French authorities have also been clearing out migrant and homeless encampments for months.
Camping migrants have been moved from the city center to the fringes of Paris or other areas.
Activist have called the practice, used in other cities like Rio de Janeiro in 2016, a form of “social cleansing.
These are all operations that are geared towards presenting a perfect picture to the rest of the world when Olympic begin.
Zimbabwe Antics For SADC
The same is underway in Zimbabwe as it prepares to host the SADC Summit in August.
The administration has been rehabilitating many roads across the capital.
It’s not a random exercise but a conscious exercise targeting those roads most likely to be used by visiting delegates.
New villas are also being built in Mt Hampden again to be used by the visitors.
Information Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana says they will remain as hotels after.
HICC, which will host the SADC Industrialisation Week in July, before the 44th SADC Summit is also being renovated.
In a statement last night, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said road works were at “an advanced stage”, with the water reticulation system almost done.
ICT systems and infrastructure, he added, have also been put in place, while accommodation for high profile visitors at hotels in Harare was now ready.
The Zimbabwe administration has found itself under intense criticism for seeming to prioritize visitors.
However, with what is happening in France, same as what happened with Brazil for the Rio Olympics, it’s clear this is a common practice.
All governments want to project a perfect picture to the rest of the world.
