The Herald (Harare)
Obert Chifamba
3 November 2009
Harare — THE Consumer Council of Zimbabwe has expressed concern over increasing prices for both local and imported products as it released statistics showing that the cost of living for a family of six for the month of October has risen from US$490,08 last month to US$496,98, an increase of one percent.
There was an increase in the cost of the food basket in October (foodstuffs only) from US$132,08 in September to US$141,07 in October reflecting a seven percent increase. Foodstuffs and detergents also rose from US$146,08 in September to US$152,98 in October reflecting an increase of five percent.
The food basket constitutes 28,3 percent of the total basket, soaps and detergents take 2,3 percent, transport eight percent while rent, water, electricity, health, clothing and footwear and education make up the remainder.
"The cost of the basket for transport, water, rent and electricity, education, health, clothing and footwear has not changed from the September 2009 figure of US$344 although there is still a challenge in the area of water supply where a number of households are still running dry. As CCZ we are concerned to hear that some cholera cases have been reported, which points out to problems in the water services area.
"The issue of rentals is still a cause for concern that needs to be addressed," CCZ executive director Ms Rosemary Siyachitema said.
She said the CCZ continued to be encouraged by the presence of local goods in most shops. In a survey done in supermarkets around town it was evident that locally produced goods were available on the shelves and these included most basic food and non-food stuffs from the well-known traditional manufacturers.
"Goods available included sugar, tea leaves mealie meal, flour, rice, petroleum jelly, cooking oil, biscuits, eggs, cereals, toilet paper, salt, bathing soap and matemba among others.
"This is very commendable as buying in Zimbabwe will promote development of local industry and with increased production, unit price will come down and become competitive against imported goods," she explained.
Ms Siyachitema challenged local manufacturers to strive to maintain a sustainable supply of goods to supermarkets.
She noted that some traditional supermarkets had re-introduced in-house brands whose prices were lower than branded goods and was quick to encourage consumers to shop around for better prices. Other supermarkets have since introduced bins where customers can measure out for themselves the amount of rice, sugar beans, nyimo, peanuts and other dry foods they can afford to buy.
"Of course the rand has been strong against the dollar for a couple of months now ranging between R7,20 to R7,70 but not to such an extent that we should see a US$6,90 increase on the basket.
"Retailers have unfortunately developed a tendency of increasing prices towards the festive season in the past and we deplore this in the strongest terms possible," said Ms Siyachitema.
On an encouraging note, she commended the stability and in some cases, a drop in fuel prices as this would mean stable prices since fuel is always considered a cost pusher.
She said consumers should always seek a fair deal on the market place by ensuring that their rights were observed. They must also be on high alert and use their cash wisely because some unscrupulous business people were in the habit of taking advantage of customers through unfair pricing and giving shoddy services, she added.
"Consumers are continually urged to be on guard and report any anomalies in the market place and should always be proactive and assert their rights at all times. It is their right to choose products and services at competitive prices with an assurance of quality and all stakeholders need to honour the right of consumers and as we approach the festive season consumers need to buy wisely and ensure that they get their money's worth," observed Ms Siyachitema.
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