GOVERNMENT has closed three mealie meal outlets in Chililabombwe for selling the commodity at almost double the recommended retail price.
The mealie meal is fetching between K255 and K275 much to the chargin of the residents who feel retailers in the area were exploiting them.
Area Member of Parliament Richard Musukwa and Copperbelt Minister Japhen Mwakalombe this week swung into action to close outlets which were offering the commodity at exploitative prices saying what was happening in the area was not justifiable.
“The problem we have is that most of you retailers here are buying mealie meal and taking the same to Congo and you are the people who are creating a problem. Genuine people who are supposed to have mealie meal in their homes are at a disadvantage because of you selfish people,” Mr. Musukwa said. And Mr. Mwakalombe expressed disappointment that while the correct prices of mealie meal was about K135 for a 25 kilogramme bag, retailers in Chililabombwe were taking advantage of the consumers. – ZANIS
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