By Shylet Maposa
Zimbabwe Cross Boarder Traders Association notes with concern the shortages of basic commodities which is heightening hunger and poverty levels and calls on government to suspend Statutory Instrument 64.
Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 also known as SI 64, is a domestic legislation that wants traders to acquire an import permit from Ministry of Industry and Commerce before importing basic commodities.
Speaking to the media in Harare yesterday, Augustine Tawanda, Secretary General of ZCBTA said, “Whatever the factors causing price instabilities, the reality of the matter is that Zimbabweans are experiencing shortages of basic commodities, in light of this ZCBTA urges government to urgently suspend Statutory Instrument 64 and relax other duties governing basic commodities.”
Mr Tawanda emphasized on the issue that the suspension of SI 64 and other related taxes will make it easier for traders and other travellers to import groceries and the bulk of the much needed basic commodities.
“This will go a long way in bringing in competition, improving price stability which will ultimately force the situation to transform. In 2008, it was only after relaxation of the commodities imports regulation that cross boarder traders began to supply groceries to alleviate hunger” he said.
