The door-to-door sale of subsidised roller meal in Mutare
has been stalled, triggering an outcry from residents who say it is difficult
to buy the basic commodities in supermarkets.
For over a month now, residents in the high density suburbs
of Dangamvura, Gimboki, Chikanga, Sakubva and Hobhouse have not been able to
buy subsidised roller meal from retailers.
The programme was launched in Makoni and Mutare in April
and had since been expanded to cover all districts to ensure adherence to
lockdown regulations to combat the spread of coronavirus.
The retailers last month came under fire from residents who
complained that they were demanding payment in US dollars only and refusing
other forms of payment.
Roller meal was pegged at $70 or US$2 for a 10kg bag.
Mrs Alice Masaka of Dangamvura Area C said the programme
had made it easier for most people, especially the old and those with
disabilities, to access affordable roller meal.
“Before the programme was launched, some people would not
be able to buy maize-meal because the queues were always too long and the
roller meal was always finished before we got to the till,” she said.
“Only those with connections could buy. This door-to-door
programme was a blessing for us, but we have not seen the people in almost four
weeks and we are worried. Even if I go to Pick n Pay at Dangamvura Complex, I
will not be able to get anything.”
Mr Fungai Machoba from Gimboki Phase Two urged Government
to come up with plans for the programme to resume.
“I last bought maize-meal in April when the team came here,
and since then, we haven’t seen them,” he said.
“We were really happy that Government had made it easier
for us to access food, but now we do not understand what is happening.
“We are even willing to buy using US dollars because those
selling on the black market are now taking advantage and charging US$4 or US$5
for a bag, and we cannot afford it.”
Gogo Mamoyo from Hobhouse phase 1 said she was too old to
stand in a queue for maize-meal.
She said she was now being forced to buy the more expensive
maize-meal in supermarkets.
Covid-19 sub-taskforce on industry and commerce head Mr
Kupukani Masunungure said the programme had been affected by a shortage of the
product.
“The challenge we have been facing is that supply has been
limited. The producer price of maize has gone up and there are talks between
millers and Government to see how this will affect the price of the subsidised
roller meal,” he said.
“The millers are in business, so there has to be consensus
on pricing that will ensure that they stay afloat.
“As a result, the door-to-door sales have been affected.
For now, only Mega Market has been releasing roller meal and the rest of the
millers are not releasing the product, but we are working on that.”
Over 10 000 families in Mutare benefited from the programme
during the first week and the numbers had more than trebled by the beginning of
last month. Herald
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