Govt removes restrictions on basic commodities imports 

SIMBA RUSHWAYA
Government has with immediate effect removed restrictions on the importation of specified basic commodities giving room for individuals and companies to import as it moves to stem shortages.
Addressing a press conference after a Cabinet meeting in Harare Tuesday, Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the Ministry of Industry has temporarily amended Statutory Instrument 122 of 2017 to allow individuals and companies to import specified basic commodities.
She said one would import without being  asked to produce a licence.
She was flanked by Finance and Economic Development minister Mthuli Ncube.
Among the commodities that will be allowed into the country, but will pay duty are bottled water, cooking oil, cereals, crude soya bean oil, fertiliser, finished steel roofing sheets, ice cream, wheat flour,cement, baked beans, soap, sugar, synthetic hair products, agrochemicals and stockfeeds.
“Cabinet noted with concern that the basic commodities continued to be in short supply despite increased production by suppliers, thereby reflecting persistent panic and speculative buying of the commodities by the members of public. The continuing increases in prices, effectively pushes the commodities beyond the reach of many of our people. Products which used to be sold over a month are now being sold in just three hour’s time, a situation which is completely unsustainable,” said Mutsvangwa.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has appointed new members of the Civil Service Commission with effect from November 1. They are Tsitsi Choruma, Caroll Khombe and George Chigora.

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