The government of Zimbabwe is yet to disburse reconstruction money promised to businesses following the January 2019 violence and looting. The government promised it would disburse RTGS$ 30 million.
Business are however complaining that they are yet to receive the money and that the money is losing value fast.
Said Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu:
I spoke with more than 120 of the (affected) shops in Matabeleland . . . and they are complaining that right now, the pace is slow.
We were happy about the progress that was made in the first 43 days (after the demonstrations) and we are also happy that a lot of them have filled in the loan application forms, but the clarity around the value of the RTGS$30 million facility, as when it was offered, it was worth that much, is required because obviously given the changes that have taken place on the market, it remains a challenge.
. . . we believe Government should expedite the process so that whatever value it is then, can be preserved. We also had price increases that have also taken place, and that also erodes that particular value and may diminish the noble gesture that was extended by the Government
Retail businesses especially those in Bulawayo and Harare were looted by demonstrators and some property was set on fire.
Related:
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Retailers On Verge Of Collapse After Looting By Protestors During riots
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MDC-Alliance & NGOs Will Pay Riot Looting & Damages, Government Says
More: The Herald