By Rudo Saungweme

…bemoans price increase of basic goods

Civil servants have welcomed Government’s new salary increment offer of 76% but have raised concern on unscrupulous retailers who increase prices of commodities every time there is a civil servant pay rise, leading to the erosion of salaries.

Speaking to the Harare Post, one Government official who spoke on condition of anonymity lamented the increase in basic commodities which he said had already eroded civil servants’ salaries before they receive it.

“We really appreciate what our Government is doing in trying to cushion its workers in this period of implantation of austerity measures.

"However, I have noted with great concern that retailers and manufacturers are against this measure of making life easier to civil servants. As l speak right now, prices of basic commodities have started to go up following the Government's decision of increasing salaries to civil servants.

"The price of sugar has risen to RTGS20 from RTGS 17.The price of mealie meal has also increased to RTGS 46 per 10 kg from RTGS 19,” said the official.

Government had raised its proposed salary increment from 10% to 76% following negotiations between the Apex Council and Government and this would see the least paid civil servant earning Rtgs $1 023 per month up from Rtgs $582.