By Pemphero Malimba:
Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) has challenged consumers to spend their money wisely during this year’s festive season.
Cama Executive Director John Kapito said this in a statement released over the weekend.
Kapito said consumers needed to be careful with their spending as Malawi was facing rocketing prices of goods and services.
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According to Kapito, the devaluation of the Kwacha and mismanagement of the economy by those in power created serious economic challenges for the consumer.
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He said prices of basic goods and services had increased by over 150 percent compared to December last year.
“Cama calls on all consumers to be vigilant and assertive when making any plans to spend the scarce resources available. This is the [best] time than ever before we need to be extra careful on the market, exercise prudent judgement on any purchases and manage your scarce resources wisely,” he said.
He said consumers needed to budget before any purchases were done and plan all expenses with their families.
“Avoid purchases of unnecessary luxury goods and services, stop buying from street vendors or unscrupulous traders selling valuables or any commodities to avoid being cheated or duped, reduce or don’t go for unnecessary trips or travel,” he said.
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He further asked consumers to pay their rentals, water and electricity bills and schools and buy enough food to last them the month of January.
“Avoid using borrowed money from unregistered money lenders. Cama wishes all consumers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. May the holidays bring joy, safety and renewed strength for the year ahead,” he said.
Some Malawians, including civil servants, are expected to wind up their duties for the year this week, which will lead to their Christmas and New Year holiday.
Meanwhile, Cama has demanded action from the government on the distribution and pricing of sugar in the country.
Kapito observed that consumers had suffered for a long time due to the scarcity of sugar and rocketing prices of the commodity.
