THE biting economic deterioration has caught up with the oldest profession – prostitution – with sex workers in Kuwadzana 2 demanding to be paid in United States dollars for the services as a hedge against hyperinflation.

Hookers said there was no way their services could not enjoy price hikes since everything else was going up.

They said they would charge five US$ for short time and US$10 for the night, depending on how good a client negotiates. They also said they are offering extra services to regular clients.

One of the sex workers who refused to be named boasted saying, “Yes, we are demanding US$ payment and we know they will come since they cannot live without sex.”

Another sex worker who identified herself as Nancy Sabau said: “Ane US$ ndiye anoluma (Only those clients with US$ will enjoy our services).”

The prostitutes said they would not offer any service to those paying in local currency, but would offer extra service to those with deeper pockets.

In a bid not to price themselves out of the market, the sex workers said they would consider receiving bond notes only at value prevailing on the parallel market on the day. (The US$ was trading at 1:12 bond by transfer).

A local pharmacies said they supported the idea of charging forex as it has the potential to also boost their pharmacy business, where most services and goods are also pegged against the US dollar.

A pharmacist who refused to be identified said: “I second the move taken by the sex workers. Since de-dollarisation our sells of condoms and contraceptives have been on the decline.”

However, some of the sex workers regular clients said they would have to adjust the appetites to suit the new environment.

A barman, who identified himself as Matthew Nyika said: “I am not married and the truth is I cannot do without sex. I will sacrifice the US$10 they are demanding for the night.”

BY CAROLINE NYAMAYARO

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