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Chronicle Writer

Government has pledged to impose strict penalties on businesses engaging in unfair practices such as profiteering, manipulating the ZiG currency, smuggling, and other forms of trading that disadvantage ordinary citizens.

This follows public concerns over some unscrupulous retailers and manufacturers who are reportedly using the unofficial exchange rate in their operations, with others deliberately resisting the local currency in preference for forex transactions under the fake cover of malfunctioning swipe machines and mobile network breakdown claims.

The matter came under intense Cabinet scrutiny yesterday. The Government also noted the proliferation of smuggled and counterfeit goods unfairly competing with local products since they are not subjected to taxation and import duty.

In a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the Government was reviewing fines for offenders while business licensing requirements were being strengthened to curb the abuse of the market forces and manipulation of consumers. 

“Penalties are being enforced against all perpetrators of unjust price hikes, manipulation of the ZiG currency, smuggling, and all forms of unfair trade practices,” said Dr Muswere. 

“The Government is going to review the fines from a minimum of US$200 Level 5 to a maximum of US$5 000 Level 14 or the ZiG equivalent for the various offences. Licences will be rationalised and consolidated to be obtained in one office as a measure to enhance efficiency.”

Dr Muswere said the Cabinet considered and noted the “Report on Basic Commodities Prices and Availability and Issues Constraining Local Industry” as presented by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga.

On modalities to operationalise the ZiG currency as legal tender for use in the economy, he said a de-dollarisation roadmap is now in place in terms of the presentation with a timeframe by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion. 

“In order to promote the uptake of plastic money, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe will strengthen the mandatory licensing requirements for all business operators to have a bank account and Point of Sale (POS) machine under the Shop and Shop Licensing Act, and deploy inspectors to curb misdemeanours that militate against price stability and availability of basic commodities,” said Dr Muswere.

“The Government of Zimbabwe, going forward, will increase border patrols, increase the number of inspectors and implement a Whole-of-Government Approach to deal with the menace at border posts.” 

Cabinet further noted that there is a significant amount of idle unutilised and abandoned industrial space in the form of empty shells, rail infrastructure, and other properties that belong to Private and Public entities, which have been abandoned their owners.

In response, Dr Muswere said an Inter-Ministerial Task Force will be established to focus on co-ordinating the identification of idle and abandoned industrial infrastructure spaces.

Meanwhile, Dr Muswere said Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe also gave an update on the progress of projects that his ministry is implementing under the 100-day cycle including the expected completion of the deployment of the new Zimbabwe Population Registration System by the end of the month.

He said the project stood at 75 percent completion while significant progress has been made in computerisation for district registry offices.

“Computerisation of three Registry Offices at Manama Sub Office in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province, Mpilo Hospital Sub Office in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province and Bubi Registry Office in Matabeleland North Province has reached 60 percent of completion, with the project expected to be completed by August 29, 2024,” he said. 

“Digitisation of delineation reports for Gutu, Zvimba, and Nemakonde Districts is 50 percent complete, with the project expected to be completed by August 31, 2024.”

Dr Muswere said the establishment of an Online Border Management System in Harare is 75 percent complete with most of the equipment having been delivered and ready for installation.

“Refurbishment of the Nambya Community Museum in Hwange, Matabeleland North Province is 50 percent complete, with the mounting of exhibitions expected to be complete by 31 August 2024,” he said.

In the health sector, Dr Muswere said Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora briefed Cabinet on projects under implementation under the 100-day cycle in his ministry.

He said the ministry is in the process of constructing 20 pharmacy stores and the projects are 90 percent complete and are set to meet deadlines.

“The project is on course and is likely to achieve set targets within 100 days. Repair of cancer machines at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals is 76 percent complete,” he said. 

“The Low Energy Unique machine is now working and has gone a long way in reducing the patient waiting list. Installation of solar systems at 19 health facilities is 97 percent complete with 14 facilities having been fully installed. Installation of the containerised laboratory at Sally Mugabe Hospital has been completed and the project is ready for commissioning. Construction of a water tank at Chitungwiza Hospital is still underway.”