By Tadiwa Jery
The cost of living in Zimbabwe is on the higher end, comparing it to the nation’s African counterparts. One can ask why is the cost of property so high in Zimbabwe? Why do schools charge a lot more for uniforms they sell at their offices? What is the reason behind urban tuck shops being pricier than supermarkets? Why is the neighbourhood Musika (small outside convenience shop) charging exorbitant prices to their customers?
Why is the cost of living in Zimbabwe high?
Some say it’s because the cost of doing business is generally high in Zimbabwe. Others say that in Harare it’s because it is an expensive city, so businesses have to charge more. Maybe it’s just that the economy is forcing most people to live in a dog-eat-dog world. Moreover, it is not only Harare that is expensive but the rest of the country as well. This is comparing it with the salaries and wages people earn.
Zimbabwe is a country with a large informal sector. The current economic hardships Zimbabwe is facing contributes to it having an informal economy. It impacts the cost of living in Zimbabwe, making it expensive. This also means that there is no government monitoring. This exposes employees to abuse by some employers regarding salaries and benefits. Employers can choose to pay their employees way less than the minimum wage and the government rarely has any say in it.
How to remedy this
However, regulation of the cost of properties is ideal, most SME owners will not have to overprice their products and services to meet the basic need of accommodation. Regulation will contribute to price reduction on goods and services and help reduce the cost of living in Zimbabwe. Landlords seem to charge any amount they please for their properties unjustifiably and illegal real estate agents make it even harder. Additionally, a regulating board for this would be really appreciated by a number of tenants.
Furthermore, perhaps schools need to refocus on providing education only. Moreso, not engage in selling uniforms, because most parents complain about this. Schools only accept uniforms they sell and not those from outside their premises. Parents and guardians have no choice but to buy these expensive uniforms.
Hopefully those responsible for protecting the interests of customers will wake up from their slumber and carry out their mandate. The hope of the nation lies in the happiness of the consumers. It is now time to work towards the needs of consumers and ensure fair pricing. This will reduce the cost of living in Zimbabwe if all stakeholders take part in this.
