Mealie-meal prices remain unchanged

Sunday News Reporter
THE Government has raised the subsidy on maize meal from $73,90 to $216,25 to ensure that the retail price of a 10 kilogramme bag of roller meal remains at $70.

In a statement on Friday, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza said review in subsidy followed the adjustments of the price of maize grain to millers.

“Cognisant of the Covid-19 pandemic, Government is committed to ensure that the prices of basic commodities, especially roller meal, should remain within the reach of the vulnerable,” she said.

Dr Nzenza said the Government would continue to review the prices in consultation with stakeholders.

In a statement, Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe spokesman Mr Garikai Chaunza said millers were welcoming the decision by the Government to extend the subsidy programme especially during this lockdown period.

“The announcement of the review of the subsidy amount by the Minister, however, captures costs as at before 8 June, and we on Wednesday 10 June submitted current costing(s) and computations for a further upward review of the subsidy. We are happy that the minister is committed to engaging the industry and we confirm that we have cordial relations with her ministry which is our parent ministry and all the Government departments,” he said.

He added that as long as the Grain Marketing Board continues to supply millers with subsidised maize, they have the capacity to mill enough to cater for the market.

However, subsidised roller meal has continued to be in short supply in major retail shops countrywide forcing people to buy expensive mealie-meal from millers who bought maize from free funds. Some residents in Bulawayo have been forced to turn to the black market where prices for the commodity are high.