Zimbabwes desperate bid to raise cash
ZIMBABWES cash-strapped unity government has swooped on motorists, vendors and residents in a desperate effort to raise money through spot fines and taxes.
Unable to source much-needed cash internationally, the government has dispatched police and customs officials to collect money from its citizenry.
In Harare and other cities police were enforcing laws requiring motorists to pay for radio licences, which cost $30 (R240).
In the townships, television licence inspectors and customs officials were raiding homes and markets. Vendors were being forced to pay customs duty of nearly 500 percent on items deemed to have been imported.
Township residents were taken by surprise by the sudden enforcement of $50 TV licence fees. A residential radio licence costs $30.
The irony is that all government employees including police and customs officers take home only $100 a month.
Just how the government expects its workers to afford the high tariffs it is demanding, boggles the mind.
Last month the government set all electricity bills at $20 for households. Water and school fees are equally exorbitant.
A recent plan to raise money through toll gates bit the dust because the government failed to provide funding for the gates. Even had the government provided the funds, the roads are in such a terrible state that it is unlikely anyone would have agreed to pay for the privilege of driving on them.
Zimbabweans are known for being enterprising, but the raids have put a frown on many faces.
The country needs about $8.3-billion to revive its economy.
The Times (SA)
Post published in: News