The suspension, effected by Tobacco Industry Marketing
Board (TIMB), follows several reports by growers that they have spent more than
a month without receiving their dues.
TIMB Public Affairs Officer, Chelesani Moyo, told H-Metro
the the suspension will be reviewed after the Floor clears all its outstanding
dues and provides proof of adequate financial resources.
“TIMB wishes to advise the public that we have received
several complaints from growers who have not been paid by Boka Tobacco Sales
Floor after sales,” said Moyo.
“As a regulator we have engaged with Boka Management to
resolve the issue in an amicable manner.
“With immediate effect, TIMB has suspended all tobacco
purchases by Boka until they have cleared all outstanding payments, and
provided proof of adequate financial resources.
We will continue to ensure farmers are paid timeously,”
said Moyo.
A number of tobacco growers visited TIMB yesterday to
express their anger over the payment delays.
Among other grievances by the disgruntled farmers were
their ill-treatment by officials of Boka Tobacco Auction Floor.
They were also not happy with the place where they had to
sleep, for more than a month, waiting for payment.
One of the disgruntled farmers, Brighton Chikadura of
Mhondoro, told H-Metro he has been subjected to abuse by bouncers and officials
at Boka for the past three weeks.
“Boka has been failing us and forcing us to be exposed to
criminals and weather elements for more than a month,” said Brighton.
“They are sabotaging farming and discouraging us to have
faith in tobacco farming by such unprofessional actions.
“We have been sleeping on the floor in this cold weather
for more than a month waiting for
payment.
“Kumusha hakuendeke nekuti tinezvikwereti zvevakatibatsira
pakurima uku.
“We were promised payment within 48 hours but Boka is
delaying with our money for no explanation,” said Brighton.
Another farmer, Joylin Muzanenhamo of Macheke, said her
tobacco went under the hammer on June 21 but she was yet to receive her
payment.
“As a woman I feel abused considering that Boka sold my
crops but they are delaying to give me my dues,” said Joylin.
“My family is starving while I am being forced to sleep on
the floor in this cold weather, risking my health.
“Such kind of unprofessionalism is a sabotage to the
farming industry,” she said.
The farmers threatened to block vehicles of Boka Tobacco
Auction Floor officials if they were not paid their dues.
From TIMB, the farmers were taken to Boka Tobacco Auction
Floor, and were promised to receive their dues by Wednesday. H Metro
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