Zimbabwe's economy struggles

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Conditions in Zimbabwe haven't improved much since President Robert Mugabe and two rivals signed a power-sharing agreement in 2008, statistics indicate.

The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe said the cost of living is $500 monthly and the basic monthly salary is $150, the Johannesburg, South Africa, Mail & Guardian reported.

"Nothing has changed in this country. We are still suffering. It's all dog-eat-dog in Zimbabwe," said Rufaro Mataka, a resident of Glendale, northeast of Zimbabwe's capital city of Harare. "All the talk about political stabilization is much ado about nothing."

Finance Minister Tendai Biti recently said the country could face a "bloodbath" at future elections and warned of "disastrous, debilitating consequences" if the contested elections of 2008 are repeated.

"Our position as a country is one that is unfortunate," said Job Wiwa Sikhala, leader of the MCD99 opposition party in Zimbabwe.

"However, the blame lies squarely on our shoulders as citizens. We entrusted our future into the hands con men, looters, thieves, murderers and heartless wolves. The results are horrible. As a country we have moved 100 years back, economically we are back to hunting and gathering."