By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Masvingo -The government’s community bakeries have started producing high-quality confectionery products which they are selling at half the price of the one that is being charged by the other bakeries in Masvingo.
The bread in the rural areas is selling at $8.50 as compared to the $18.50 that is being charged in the urban retail outlets. In an interview yesterday, Clemence Chiduwa, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development and Zaka East legislator said the community bakeries have empowered the villagers in the communities and this will guarantee future production in terms of food security.
The opening up of community bakeries has resulted in the creation of employment for the youths and women, he said.
He said it is important to utilise the bakeries for healthy eating habits.
“We want to destroy the cartels and bring the prices down”, he said.
In Zaka Central, the community-led bakeries project was officially launched recently, with the local Member of Parliament, Davison Svuure as he told youths to take the different projects as they will benefit them.
The project is going to empower our youths and women and I am very sure it is going to transform our lives, he said.
400 community bakeries are now in operation in the province after a survey that was carried out. Women and youths from all seven wards were trained in making confectionery, petroleum jelly and shoe and floor polish.
Zaka East Constituency Coordinator, Hon Pepukai Chiwewe said the bread-making project is going to alleviate bread shortages and be able to buy bread at a better price they can afford.
A $2 million fund for community bakeries has been secured from Government and was disbursed by the Women’s Bank through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
