The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has delayed the zonal distribution of subsidised mealie meal which was scheduled for this Wednesday in some retail outlets in areas such as Mabvuku, Tafara and Epworth in Harare
According to GMAZ chairperson Tafadzwa Musarara, the postponement of the maize-meal delivery was necessitated by the delay in payments by retailers. He said:
Some retailers are still making their payments to millers to access their share. Everything will start from payments before millers deliver the mealie-meal. We want payment upfront.
In some instances, we are having some informal traders who want to make a payment, but we are saying we cannot give to those without operating licences. We can’t give informal traders subsidised mealie-meal.
Subsidised roller meal is selling at $70 per 10kg. However, the product in short supply resulting in buyers having to join long and winding queues at supermarkets to buy the product.