Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and promoting citizens’ rights through the continued use of accurate measurements and internationally approved standardisation, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu has said.
The Minister was addressing thousands of people who converged at Chigovanyika Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza today to commemorate the World Metrology Day, which was running under the theme: “Measurements for all times, for all people”.
Minister Ndlovu implored Zimbabweans to recognise the critical role that metrology plays in promoting economic growth and social development.
“Let us join hands and complement the hard work of metrologists, researchers, scientists, inspectors and esteemed institutions working to improve metrology worldwide,” he said.
“The ministry, through its Trade Measures Department, continues to ensure that our measurements are reliable, accurate and traceable to support fair trade,” said Minister Ndlovu.
The ministry, he said, is empowering the Trade Measures Department to ensure effective and efficient execution of their mandate.
“My ministry is also in the process of widening the scope of enforcement and compliance through the Legal Metrology Bill that will soon become an Act after due consultation processes are complete,” he added.
“This Act will give birth to the Legal Metrology Agency, which will oversee the administration and enforcement of legal metrology in Zimbabwe.”
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce also hosted various events to raise awareness and educate the nation as a way to celebrate the importance of Metrology.
This year’s commemoration is symbolic as it marks the 150th Anniversary of the Metre Convention signed on May 20, 1875.
The international agreement, also known as the Treaty of the Metre, established and standardised the modern-day metric system.
Speaking at the same event, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe director of corporate affairs, Mr Philemon Shereni, said the day is meant to educate consumers about their rights.
“Our mandate is to help consumers understand the provisions, for example, of the Consumer Protection Act,” he said.
“The Consumer Protection Act has rights and responsibilities for consumers. The right to education, the right to information, the right to fair value, and the quality of goods and services.
“In the context of World Meteorology Day, our consumers are aware of the fact that when they buy a product, for example, beef from a butchery and if the scale is tampered with, it’s a violation of their rights.
“It is one of those rights that we are empowering consumers with knowledge so that they can exercise their rights once they go about doing their business.”
