The availability of bread is expected to improve across the country following the procurement of 19 000 tonnes of wheat which was bonded in Beira.
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) public relations manager Garikai Chaunza said that the wheat started arriving in the country over the weekend. He said:
GMAZ is pleased to announce that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe last week released US$7 million for the payment of 19 000 tonnes of wheat which was bonded in Beira.
The wheat has since arrived and distribution to millers started over last weekend. The consignment is expected to cover the national flour requirements for one month as more resources are being mobilised to procure more (wheat).
With the arrival of this wheat consignment, bread supplies are set to be improving throughout the country in the coming days.
The shortage of bread has fueled a thriving black market of the staple food with a loaf of being sold for $6 while on the formal market it costs $3.40.
Chaunza said that his association will continue to monitor retailers to make sure that they comply with prescribed prices for grain products.
Retailers found to be overcharging will have supplies cut off, he warned.