eBusiness Weekly
Walter Mswazie
MASVINGO – The country has enough sugar stocks which can last for the next three years and people should not be forced into panic buying, neither should they be forced to buy expensive sugar in the market, an official has said.
Lately consumers have been hoarding basic commodities in anticipation of shortages while some unscrupulous retailers have increased prices of commodities like cooking oil and sugar.
Zimbabwe Sugar Sales Board Director, Mr Admore Hwarare last weekend said the country has enough sugar.
Mr Hwarare, who is also chair of Zimbabwe Commercial Sugarcane Farmers’ Association said there was no need for panic buying or increase in the price of sugar.
“I represent small holder farmers who produce sugar in Chiredzi and I can safely say we have enough sugar in stock that can last us for the next three years. The water in our dams that we use to irrigate our sugarcane has a capacity to last for three years,” said Mr Hwarare.
“Zimbabwe Sugar Sales board which operates under Tongaat Huletts Zimbabwe is selling our sugar at 80 cents per 2 kg.
“The product is delivered to the retailer’s door step and we do not expect a 2 kg packet of sugar not to be sold beyond $1,50 and not the $6 that some retailers are using. That is daylight robbery,” he said.
He said the ZSS was working on modalities to bring sugar next to all potential customers.
“We are working on having stockists in every district and we are going to do the same in all the seven district in Masvingo.
Anyone who finds expensive sugar sold above the recommended price should call our sales manager at ZSS so that it can be delivered at his or her door
steps.
“Unscrupulous retailers should not be allowed to deprive people and government must re-ignite price controls where those who hike prices unnecessarily would have their licences revoked,” he said.
