|
In Zim, the pubs have no beer
09/08/2007 16:37 - (SA)
Harare - After a busy day trying to survive
Zimbabwe's economic crisis, Jeffrey Ndoro likes to relax after
work with a beer.
Even with inflation spiralling out of control, beer had been
comparatively cheap before a price crackdown by President Robert
Mugabe's government caused supplies to dry up.
"Of all the things, you can't find beer - this is too much,"
said Ndoro, sipping a soda at his drinking spot, the Chelsea
Pub.
Ndoro is left with few alcoholic options. A shot of imported
whisky, for example, is far too expensive.
Zimbabweans have been struggling with severe shortages of
fuel, food and foreign currency, and now the few pleasures of
life are rapidly disappearing.
Mugabe has warned businesses they will face dire
consequences if they ignore his price-capping campaign, another
bid to tame the world's highest inflation rate that has cut
supplies of maize-meal, milk, sugar and meat.
Police have targeted more than 7 500 business people and
companies for overcharging and Mugabe has vowed to escalate the
crackdown, launched in June.
The shortages of basic goods have increased the misery of
Zimbabweans struggling with crumbling sewers, water and
electricity cuts, and rising unemployment.
In poor townships, where the majority of urban residents
live, beer shortages are severe and liquor stores, normally a
hive of activity, now close early.
At a beer outlet in central Harare, the owner sat on an
empty freezer reading a newspaper. He was frequently interrupted
by customers inquiring about beer. He told them the last
delivery was six days ago.
Across town, employees were forced to close a liquor store
which had beer, after being overwhelmed by a large crowd. In the
end beer was rationed to two per customer.
"I have never heard of a place where there is beer
rationing," an angry man who identified himself only as Sam told
Reuters.
"At this rate, we will be buying beer on the black market."
With summer approaching, thirst-quenching may become a
nightmare. Sales of less fancied spirits and wines are up but
supplies are running low.
Ndoro, a 25-year-old pharmacy clerk, fears he won't be
sipping another soothing beer at the Chelsea anytime soon.
"I am sure things will get worse. But I guess this is now
beyond our control," he said, shrugging.
- Reuters
|
News
Zimbabwe Special Report
