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Cost
of living surges
The
Herald (Zimbabwe)
November 03, 2006
http://www1.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=10927&cat=8&livedate=11/03/2006
THE cost of living for a family of
six for the month of October surged to $141 706, up 26,4 percent
from the September figure of $112 034, according to figures released
by the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe
yesterday.
The biggest
mover during the month under review was health, which shot up by
a staggering 68,2 percent. It was followed by washing powder, which
went up by 46,9 percent, bread (42,4 percent) and white sugar (38,6
percent).
"The major mover
for October was health as consultation fees and costs of medicines
increased at most clinics in the month," said CCZ.
On the bright
side, the consumer watchdog applauded the gazetting of the National
Incomes and Pricing Commission Bill, as a move that would pave way
for the long-anticipated National Incomes and Pricing Commission
(NIPC), whose mandate would be to regulate the prices of goods and
services, among other functions.
"The timeous
setting and gazetting of prices is vital to ensuring sustainable
access to basic commodities for all consumers and therefore CCZ
urges the relevant authorities to continue expediting the process
of setting up the commission as it will be the only body which will
effectively address the woes of many consumers and help maintain
a balance where prices and incomes are concerned," added the consumer
watchdog.
CCZ continues
to call for deterrent fines to all those who flout regulations and
gazetted prices as that will serve as a disincentive for unlawful
business practices.
The survey by
CCZ also revealed that commuter omnibus operators have been taking
advantage of the shortage of fuel to unilaterally hike fares, inducing
more pain on the long-suffering consumer.
Some consumers
have been purchasing fuel at inflated prices of up to $1 600 per
litre and CCZ calls on the responsible authorities to bring order
into the sector and to protect consumers from being ripped off by
unscrupulous fuel dealers and commuter omnibus operators.
In view of rising
inflation, the CCZ continues to urge consumers to exercise their
right to choose and intensify their earch for affordable commodities
or cheaper substitutes.
"It is a consumer
right to choose products and services at competitive prices with
an assurance of quality and all stakeholders need to honour the
rights of the consumer.
"Consumers need
to make use of our toll-free line to report any poor and unfair
business practices so that remedial action is taken," said CCZ.
Meanwhile, flour
continues to be unavailable on the market in all the five regions
with CCZ representation. This situation has slowly degenerated into
an acute shortage of the commodity whose demand rises when bread becomes
scarce exposing consumers to the exorbitant prices charged on the
parallel market.
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