President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said pharmacies that
demand foreign currency for medicine and medical provisions will lose their
licenses.
The Head of State and Government said his administration
would not stand by while the public was abused by greedy retailers who accessed
foreign currency from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, but then still demanded
greenbacks from ordinary people.
At the first of his Presidential Thank You Rally at
Murombedzi growth point in Zvimba yesterday, Zimbabwe’s leader also said he was
firmly focused on socio-economic transformation and would from this week go
around the country to launch at least 11 major projects.
Addressing thousands of people who turned out for the
rally, President Mnangagwa said Government was taking tough measures on
businesses that promoted economic hardships while pursuing profits.
“These pharmacies are charging in US dollars but their
employees are not paid in US dollars. We sat down as Cabinet and directed the
Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Obadiah Moyo, to tell them Government is
not happy with what they are doing.
“The majority of you who were now selling medical
provisions, asking for US dollars, it’s not proper because you go and queue at
the RBZ asking for foreign currency to import these drugs.
“There is no reason why you should, therefore, ask the
public to purchase these drugs in foreign currency when you yourselves get it
from the Reserve Bank.
“Those of you who do not heed this caution: danger is
coming, we will withdraw your licences,” he said, drawing loud cheers from the
crowd.
President Mnangagwa said he had told Industry and Commerce
Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu to regularly engage business over pricing.
“Prices were going up left right and centre, but I called
business leaders to State House, and immediately some of them reduced the
prices. Fertiliser was increased from $35 to more than $100, but when I engaged
with them, they said they would reduce it to $45.
“Most of the manufacturers and wholesalers are charging
acceptable prices, but it is the retailers who have the biggest problem.
“I asked my young minister, Ndlovu, to meet with them and I
am waiting for further details. But if they refuse to reduce prices then they
will also lose their licenses,” he said.
The President said in line with Government’s focus on the
socioeconomic sphere, Zimbabwe’s food security had been guaranteed thanks to
Command Agriculture which ensured the Strategic Grain Reserve was adequately
stocked.
He said Command Agriculture beneficiaries who had not
abided by contractual obligations would be blacklisted until they honoured
their debts.
“We are in our third year with Command Agriculture and it
has been a tremendous success because we have eradicated hunger.
“We now have more than one million tonnes in the Strategic
Grain Reserve so that means there is no family that will go hungry because you
will receive the grain for free. You should work with your councillors, headmen
and chiefs and they will assist you
“Every week (Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare)
Minister (Dr Sekai) Nzenza briefs us on the food security situation because we
want to make sure that no one goes hungry and all those in need of food aid can
easily get it.
“We have enough grain to feed the people until next year
and there should be no family in the country that should go hungry.”
The ruling party’s First Secretary added that the
Presidential Inputs Scheme was non-discriminatory.
“The Presidential Inputs Scheme is not selective, it is
open to everyone regardless of political affiliation,” he said. “We have 1,8
million families that … should all benefit from this programme which gives
fertiliser and maize seed to every household. This should enable you to provide
enough to feed the family at household level.
“Those in the opposition, MDC, are also free to benefit
from this scheme. This programme is open for all and sundry.”
President Mnangagwa said his administration had enhanced
democracy, and now everyone should focus on economic development, saying “none
but ourselves will take the country forward”.
“Starting (this week) we will have several ground breaking
ceremonies. There is going to be the new executive headquarters for Parliament
on the 30th of this month.
“From there, we will go to the lithium mine project that
will bring us billions (of dollars). I have a long list, at least 11 projects,
on my table.”
The President said the $300 million availed for devolution
in the 2018 National Budget demonstrated his Government’s commitment to
inclusive development across Zimbabwe.
Present at the rally were Vice-President Dr Constantino
Chiwenga, Zanu-PF National Chair Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, and ruling party
Politburo and Central Committee members among other officials. Sunday Mail
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