Price controls are good for patronage, but bad for the people
The police and the elite continue to benefit from the price slashing effect on goods.
This week one of our activists witnessed police at a local cement company loading hundreds of bags of cement. We did some research and areaware that there are no current building projects being undertaken by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, so that leaves us with the belief that the cement is destined for re-sale on the black market.
Another of our activists witnessed the police loading tons of sugar.
The police are paid so little they are now forced into criminal activities, encouraged by their superiors.
Government-owned bread producers are able to bring in flour at bank rate, so no prizes for who is making massive profits, especially on super white loaves.
Carcass permits for beasts in the rural areas are being handed out with little restriction: the result; a thriving black market for meat.
Price controls are good for patronage, but very bad for the people.
The questions we’re left asking ourselves is, is this sustainable until elections?
October 19th, 2007 05:42
Government shouldn’t be a nssty word…. but it is in MOST places.
Please come visit, I need a Zimbabwe flag!