By Kundayi Masekesa

Government has introduced subsidies on the production of selected basic commodities to cushion consumers from unscrupulous businesses that have continued pegging prices of goods beyond the reach of many.

Presenting the 2020 National Budget dubbed Gearing for Higher Productivity, Growth and Job Creation, this Thursday, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube said that subsidies would be effected on the production of selected basic commodities such as roller meal, cooking oil and the standard loaf of bread.

“In order, to protect vulnerable groups of our society, Government will extend targeted subsidies on the production of roller meal, cooking oil and the standard loaf of bread,” said Minister Ncube.

Meanwhile, subsidies on ZUPCO buses are going to be sustained in order to continue with the provision of affordable transport service to the public.

“To cushion the commuting public against the rising cost of transport, Government will continue to subsidise mass transport system as well as capacitate ZUPCO to provide an efficient public transport system,” said Minister Ncube.

Economic analyst, Danny Musukuma described the introduction of subsidies on basic commodities as a positive development as it aims to protect the vulnerable public from extortionate prices currently being charged by greedy retailers.

Another analyst who preferred anonymity applauded the intended subsidies on basic goods and ZUPCO buses describing them as a reflection of Government’s efforts to alleviate challenges that are currently bedevilling the people.