f Zimbabwean currency. Instead of adjusting prices accordingly, some traders saw the change as an opportunity to hike prices.
Minister of Industry Obert Moyo said the directive was effective from August 1, when the new currency came into circulation. The freeze will be in force until August 21, when the changeover is supposed to be complete. He warned
businesses that flouted the law face a heavy fine. He ordered businesses that had increased prices to revert to the prices before the announcement of the currency revaluation. – ZimOnline
US$500m for Russian planes
HARARE – Zimbabwe is this week expected to seal a US$500 million deal with Russia for the supply of five Ilyushin and Tupolev commercial airplanes as President Robert Mugabe’s government steps up efforts to strengthen economic
ties with east European and Asian countries.
A 10-member delegation led by Zimbabwe transport permanent secretary George Mlilo left Harare for Russia on Sunday where they will meet officials of the Voronezh Aircraft Construction Company (VACO) to conclude the deal.
The aircraft supply deal was first brokered by Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono and Zimbabwe Transport Minister Chris Mushowe during a DPAvisit to Russia about two months ago. – ZimOnline
Poachers kill 9 rhino
GWERU – Poachers have killed at least nine rare black rhinos in a conservation area in central Zimbabwe, the state-controlled Herald newspaper reported on Monday.
“We have lost at least nine black rhinos from Midlands Conservancy,” said Geoffrey Matipano, a spokesperson from the state-run Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
Poaching is said to be on the increase in cash-strapped Zimbabwe where wildlife officials battle with ever-dwindling resources that stop them from effectively safeguarding rare game.- Staff reporter