Mthuli Ncube ordered to bring another ministerial statement to Parliament

Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube has been asked to bring another Ministerial statement to explain the rise in the cost of living and inflation.

The cost of living in Zimbabwe has gone so high that some retail shops are now rejecting the local RTGS in favour of the US dollar.

The local currency is fast losing value against the American dollar which is of high value.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Harare East legislator Tendai Biti said the cost of living warrants the ministerial statement.

‘’Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I rise on a question of national interest. The cost of living has risen, inflation is now 430%. In the shops, there are now goods that are being charged exclusively in USD.

‘’Cooking oil, sugar, and other commodities – retailers are refusing to accept ZWL. Therefore, I am respectfully asking the Minister of Finance and Economic Development to give a Ministerial Statement on the rising inflation, the exchange rate which is now 1: 800, and the continued arbitrage.

‘’Madam Speaker, in that Ministerial Statement, may the Minister of Finance and Economic Development also explain the logic of gold coins,’’ he said.

Responding to the Honourable Biti, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Tsitsi Gezi said the request was noted ‘’Thank you Honourable Biti, I think the Deputy Minister of Finance is here, he has taken note of what you have said,’’ she said.

Mthuli Ncube ordered to bring another ministerial statement to Parliament