Where is the maize meal?

ZTN Reporter

Maize meal is slowing becoming a scarce commodity in Zimbabwean shops.

A visit to most retailers in the capital Harare showed empty shelves with retailers blaming the supply bottlenecks on the introduction of a grain subsidy by the government last year.

The subsidy model is meant to cushion vulnerable groups in society.

Recently authorities introduced the voucher system to protect the facility from being abused.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu confirmed that mealie meal is in short supply.

“MeaIie-meal, especially that which government subsidised, is in short supply and there is a huge demand for the product,” Mutashu said.

Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube said the product is being smuggled across the borders.

“Roller meal is finding its way across borders. I am aware some people are buying it and getting it across (borders) making a margin by selling at a higher price. We frown upon that,” he said.