Govt To Discontinue Mealie Meal Subsidy- Report

The government of Zimbabwe will soon discontinue the roller meal subsidy and replace it with cash transfers to vulnerable communities, The Herald reports.

This was revealed by Finance and Economic Development Deputy Minister Clemence Chiduwa while responding to Midlands MP who wanted an explanation why there was a serious maize meal shortage in the country despite the subsidy facility. Chiduwa said:

Treasury has availed resources amounting to $813 110 525 towards the implementation of the new roller meal subsidy.

However, given the administrative burden associated with implementing the maize roller meal subsidy, Government is introducing a targeted cash transfer system to vulnerable households. This system will result in the phasing out of the roller meal subsidy as beneficiaries will be given cash to purchase the roller meal on their own.

The roller meal subsidy was introduced early this year after masses complained about the commodity’s massive price hike in January which prompted the government to step in and subsidise mealie meal.

More: The Herald