The ManicaPost
Wimbainashe Zhakata and Emma Chinyamutangira Post Correspondents
MUTARE residents have voiced concern over the recent skyrocketing of basic commodities’ prices, something that has re-ignited fears and anxiety of a return to the 2008 hyperinflationary era.A survey by The Manica Post early this week showed that people of Mutare are disappointed by the increase in prices of basic commodities.
Grace Banda (39) from Dangamvura high density suburb said: “The increase in prices of basic commodities affects everyone. We are afraid that we will go back to 2008 where everyone would get into long queues just to buy one bottle of cooking oil.”
Douglas Sawara (40) from Sakubva high density suburb said one of the reasons prices were going up was the shortage of bond notes.
“The shortage of bond notes has worsened on the formal market, which is affecting the transacting citizens,” he said.
Meanwhile, some residents expressed great concern over their low salaries saying that Government and companies must consider raising salaries of employees during such situations.
Joshua Chikukwa (45), a teacher said: “Government must consider raising salaries for civil servants because we should be able to afford basic commodities.”
Some residents however chose to be blunt saying the current scenario was a clear sign of rising inflation.
Tracy Gombakoma (29) who owns a boutique said: “Basic commodity prices are believed to be a leading indicator of inflation. They indicate economic changes before the economy as a whole does.”
Joel Ruramai (35), from Dangamvura high density suburb said acute shortages of foreign currency were to blame for the escalating prices of basic commodities.
“Most local retailers get goods, especially basic commodities, from outside the country so with the shortage of forex and bond notes as well, securing the goods is quite a challenge for them,” he said.
Pamela Mbona (24) from Chikanga said local suppliers panicked at times and raise prices of basic commodities because they cannot predict economic trends unfolding.
“We are really disappointed by small traders who are following in the footsteps of supermarkets and increasing prices of basic commodities because we used to depend on them when prices shoot up like this,” she said.
