letter from africa: zimbabwe's 'enemy of the people' returns home - solar powered street lights

Zimbabwe reporter Wilf Mbanga, in a series of letters we sent from Africa, reviewed his return to China after 15 years in exile --
Ten months later.
Robert Mugabe, then leader, was ousted.
The last time I was at Harare airport, I left in a hurry because I was worried that my life would be arrested on fabricated charges and locked up in a dirty, crowded cell for the night.
I put up with it six times. month-
After a long trial, it was finally acquitted by one of the few pollution-free local judges in the country.
Despite this, harassment continues.
I was followed a lot and once the man in a suit jumped over my garden wall and wandered around my house at night.
It was August 2003 when I left.
I don't know when I will be back.
But I totally hope to come back in a year or so.
There was a time when unemployment was not a problem when Zimbabwe's economy was booming, we had our own currency, and the country could provide some extra things for its neighbors.
Robert Mugabe, who was the president and my friend at the time, was considered a world politician.
With corruption, uncontrolled greed and poor economic management, everything is beginning to deteriorate.
Criticizing the head of state as a crime, even after I left the country, I was declared "enemy of the people" for writing a criticism column in the Dutch newspaper ".
But now I can finally go home.
Now renamed the arrival hall of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the queue is in chaos.
No one knows which of the returning residents are in line, which of the tourists are in line, and the elusive investors are warmly welcomed in the huge shining signs.
As a British passport holder, I got a form that was filled out on the plane.
Note: My friend turned British Airways aircraft enemyAs into a leisurely descent over Harare, I looked out the window at the dry, dusty countryside and wondered what was waiting for me
After a long wait, I finally got to my desk.
I have to pay $55. £42)for a 30-
Daily tourist visa
My mouth is as dry as the dusty veld outside.
I look forward to government officials raiding at any time as a nation.
According to the Herald and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, I was arrested twice during my absence.
But nothing happened.
My little granddaughter was screaming with a colorful banner waving on the balcony.
I walked into the sunshine of September and a welcome hug from my family.
I couldn't help but look back at my shoulder and expect someone to ask me to follow him to a small office somewhere at any time, God knows what else.
My lawyer later assured me that my case was "political" and not criminal --
The fact that President Emmerson Mnangagwa nodded to my return is enough to keep me safe.
The parking lot is packed with luxury 4x4 cars.
Driving home from the airport, the first part of the new two lane is just finished and beautiful.
But the house around it is dilapidated.
The only bright color you can see is the remaining Zanu-
Advertising and beautiful trees blooming in spring. Solar-
Power-powered street lights have replaced the state grid.
The way I used to live in the suburbs was good-
Take care of the House and the Emerald verges.
Now there are only withered shrubs, bare land and countless potholes.
On most street corners, there are all kinds of goods on the rickety table --
Tomatoes and sweets wrapped in newspapers, popcorn and pork crust.
This is unprecedented in the suburbs.
The house behind the huge wall
This is an ugly proof that the slight crime rate of hungry, poor citizens is high.
"A welcome development is that there is clearly no fear for the people I talk.
The last time I was in Zimbabwe, people were reluctant to discuss politics with strangers.
A little paint is needed.
The elevated water tank is now a common feature of most houses, as residents rely on the drilling water delivered by trucks rather than the contaminated municipal water supply --
If so.
Delivery trucks destroyed roads in the suburbs.
Driving into the city center will test your patience and driving skills.
Overloaded, rickety minibuses overtake around at high speed and can suddenly stop in front of you without warning.
In some cases, the conductor hangs out of the back door unsteadily.
Drivers of luxury SUVs seem to think they are above the law and don't need to stop in front of street lightsway signs.
It really annoys me because most of the drivers in my day follow the speed limit and follow the road rules.
One welcome development is that there is clearly no fear for the people I talk.
The last time I was in Zimbabwe, people were reluctant to discuss politics with strangers, those who spoke in a calm tone and looked at the secret police officers on their shoulders, both real and imaginary
Despite the obvious difficulties experienced in the daily life here, such as having to queue up for a long time to withdraw cash from the bank, no clean water, lack of services such as regular collection of garbage and reliable electricity, it's great to get home.
Some relatives, including my mother, died during my exile.
So are many of my old friends.
When I left, my cousin, who had children, now had grandchildren.
People I know look old.
As always, the countryside stands out.
On the way to the Eastern Highlands, the local zebrawood tree known as "msasas" has always meant a lot to me.
At this time of the year, when their new buds turn red, it is worth seeing to see them full of glory.
The majestic mountains and deep valleys evoke indescribable emotions for me.
Most of all, staying at home with my family and friends, listening to familiar sounds, smelling the air of Zimbabwe, albeit short, is a tonic for my soul. I will be back!