Prices double overnight for shell shocked Zimbabweans

By Tererai Karimakwenda
09 May 2006

Zimbabweans were shocked on Tuesday when they awoke to discover the prices for basic commodities and other goods had doubled overnight. This was only 24 hours after many had struggled to find enough money to send their children back school with fees having been raised by 1000% this term. Our Harare correspondent Simon Muchemwa went into the Central Business District and reported that many items now cost twice what they cost on Monday. A 300 ml container of fresh milk went up to Z$ 90,000 from Z$ 55,000. Chimombe milk is now Z$ 110,000, up from Z$ 65,000 and 1 kg powdered milk now costs Z$ 915,000, up from Z$ 600,000 a day earlier.

Muchemwa said many of those families that sent their kids to school on Monday have no money left and were just figuring out how to make it through the rest of the month. These new prices will now make that task even harder. Muchemwa said workers in the industrial areas who drink a coca-cola for lunch will have to find an alternative. He said the standard 300 ml bottle went up to Z$80,000 from Z$40,000. Food items are not the only things affected. Some commuter omnibus operators also raised their fares. Travellers from Mabvuku were hit the hardest. One way now costs Z$100,000, up from Z$ 60,000 just 24 hours earlier. Muchemwa said other routes are bound to follow suit before the end of the week. To add to all this misery Muchmewa said the increased salaries that government promised civil servants and soldiers have not materialised yet. And many are already expecting the government to go back on its word.