Daily bread a daily struggle (21-12-06)

BEITBRIDGE

Beitbridge residents face severe bread shortages as Zimbabwe’s economy continues to spiral into chronic instability. According to residents, the problem began a few months ago when the government introduced price controls on selected basic commodities as a means to slow down Zimbabwe’s runaway inflation.

Beitbridge residents say often bread can be found only at one shop in the area, the Baobab Spar. This means they are forced to get up before 6am each day to get a place in the queue at the Spar, which opens at 8am.

The area around Beitbridge is one of the most expensive in Zimbabwe because of the thriving black market at the border post. Severe food shortages have become a daily occurrence. The situation is made worse by Zimbabwe’s rapidly dwindling supply of foreign currency to pay for imported flour.

All these factors have contributed to the Baobab Spar establishing a monopoly in the area and being able to raise the price of bread as they choose. Recently, loaves of bread were being sold at double their normal price, for Z$450, which is unaffordable for most citizens.

The dominant position of the supermarket in the area has created fertile ground for corruption. Some of its employees regularly sell bread through the back door at even higher prices. “Employees often tell us that the bread is finished,” said Peter Sibanda, a regular customer at the Spar. “However, everyone knows these employees hide loaves by the dozen, to be sold at taxi ranks by their friends at sky high prices ranging from Z$600 to Z$800.”

Sibanda added: “If you ask the people at the taxi ranks where they got the bread they answer you by saying you are asleep if you do not use the opportunities that come your way. It’s very discouraging.”

The manager of the supermarket was unavailable for comment.

Residents say the rapidly worsening situation has affected the moral fibre of the people. People no longer care for one another. Instead, the law of the jungle prevails – survival of the fittest. Those who have, get more through their corrupt dealings whilst those who have not become more destitute.

Because of escalating hardships, the majority is now forced to invent devious means to survive. Chipo Chikwavaire summed up the situation: “The masters used to oppress the workers, now we deprive one another. The time has come to benefit ourselves instead of the company while the company still has money.”