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Business Reporter
The business community in Chipinge District has made an appeal to the town council to be exempted from paying shop licence fees, citing low business owing to the short operating hours under the prevailing national lockdown.
Operating hours for businesses during the Level Four lockdown are between 8am and 3.30pm.
Without much business activity, most retailers in the district say their operations have taken a knock.
Shop owners who spoke to The Manica Post said they are struggling to restock and this was affecting their ability to consistently raise the required shop licence fees.
They also revealed that they are being unable to meet the salary demands of their workers and in cases they pay, they are often doing it very late.
The business community also bemoaned the penalties they are being charged for failing to pay their license fees.
Chipinge Town Council acting secretary Mr James Mutemera said those with queries must formally lodge them in writing with his office.
Online Reporter