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CCZ mediates in complaints valued at more than $1bn in the first half of 2006
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe
July 17, 2006

The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has handled more than 432 complaints in the six months from January 2006 to June 2006. The 432 complaints filed, compares to the 266 complaints filed during the same period last year, this has reflected a 62.4% increase in the number of consumers coming to complain at CCZ Offices.

Of the complaints resolved, 190 complaints which were Walk-In Complaints valued at more than $1 394 072 520.00. CCZ has managed to recover $795 436 914.00 from the $1 394 072 520, reflecting a recovery rate of 57.1%. The figure could be higher as some of the cases are still pending. The complaints recovery rates remain above average, a clear indication of the effectiveness of the CCZ Complaints Resolution mechanisms.

The highest number of complaints was rerecorded in the Contracts Category which is the category with items such as unfulfilled agreements, unfair contracts, lay-byes, selling contracts, loans among others. In that category problems with Selling Contracts recorded the highest complaints, followed by Lay-Byes and Disclaimer Clauses respectively. The second highest category with complaints was recorded in the Shoddy Goods and Services Category, where problems with electrical goods were the highest mainly in Harare, followed by Local Authorities, Clothing and Utilities. Of great concern was the high number of complaints on Conditional Selling and this was mostly in Mutare. Consumers are urged to be cautious and to critically assess contracts before committing themselves to them. They can alternatively seek advice from our offices or contact us to be referred to experts who can assist them.

Consumers must check for faults and guarantee period when purchasing products like electricals and furniture. Some manufacturers and retailers have been selling substandard and shoddy goods and services taking advantage of the current economic conditions. Consumers must report any manufacturers or retailers who sell substandard goods or offer shoddy services.

CCZ will still be happier if more consumers contacted our offices for complaints resolution. Consumers should not to suffer in silence, as we are there for them. An effective consumer is always proactive and does not compromise a fairdeal on the marketplace. It is the right of consumers to be heard and to get redress.

Consumer organisations like CCZ have an obligation to ensure that consumers are protected and get redress. We have installed a toll free consumer hotline, which consumers can use to contact us free of charge and get advice to problems they encounter. We have also launched a website which is there to provide consumers with information on issues affecting them. We still welcome suggestions and opinions on the content so as to make the website suitable and ideal for consumers in the country.

Visit the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe fact sheet

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