Having to contend with an ailing economy has not stopped Zimbabwe’s ruling party from reserving $1 million to celebrate the country’s long-serving ruler, Robert Mugabe, who clocks 91 tomorrow.

“No matter what his Zanu-PF spin doctors might want to say, Mugabe has seen better days and he is now a big liability to the generality of the people of Zimbabwe for as long as he remains as the county’s head of state and chief executive,” spokesperson of the opposition party, Obert Gutu, said in a statement according to news24.

According to Zimbabwe’s Chronicle newspaper, a local farmer Tendai Musasa will be donating game for the celebrations. The meat will be served to about 20,000 guests expected to attend the party. The animals to be slaughtered include two elephants, two sables, two buffalo, five Impalas and a lion.

However, the opposition has remained critical of lavish spendings carried out by the ruling party. Rather than a birthday party, they believe such funds could be better utilized financing infrastructure projects like schools and hospitals. “Any food items and other materials that have been donated for Mugabe’s birthday bash should be handed over to the Jairos Jiri centre and other orphanages in Bulawayo,” Gutu told news24.