Cabinet Removes Duty On Basic Commodities "With Immediate Effect"

The Cabinet has removed duty on a number of basic commodities to head-off the effects the El Nino induced drought.

This was announced by the Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mangaliso Ndlovu while presenting the 41st Cabinet decisions matrix in Harare yesterday. Ndlovu said:

Cabinet noted the need to ensure the continued availability of essential foodstuffs in the market and to counter the effects of the drought that was experienced during the 2018/19 agricultural season.

Accordingly, Cabinet has resolved to implement the following temporary measures: removal of control of goods import permits for maize grain, maize meal and wheat flour, with immediate effect; placement of wheat flour on the Open General Import Licence (OGIL) with immediate effect.

Other products that have been exempted include:

• wheat flour in packages of more than 50kg
• Maize meal.

This comes when Zimbabwe is facing severe starvation due to drought, Cyclone Idai and the deteriorating economy.

More: The Herald