Hundreds of Cameroonians turned out this day at the Mfoundi Divisional Delegation of Trade to purchase food items, ranging from rice, G-nut oil, spaghetti sold at affordable prices. This move according to the Divisional Delegation is to fight the recent hike in the prices of goods.
The increase in the prices of food items started some months ago with hike in the prices of meat. A kilogram used to be sold at 2500frs but not it stands at 3000frs.
“Life is so expensive now if you don’t have 5000frs, you can’t prepare breakfast and lunch for your family” says Gilbert .
The situation got worsened with recent increase in the price of flour.
“Bread is expensive and from every indication, we need to go back to our farms and cultivate sweet potatoes to serve for breakfast,” he added.
Residents have more mouths to feed, but with the current increase in prices, even the most basic food staples are out of rich.
The Government aware of the plight Cameroonians are going through have put in place some measures amongst is the promotional sales of basic commodities organized by the Mfoundi Divisional Delegate.
Groundnut oil here is sold at 1100frs and a bag of rice stands at 18000. According to the Divisional Delegate Zambo Manga Joseph, the subsidized sale is to assist housewives who have been complaining of hike in prices of goods.
Consumers present have appreciated the initiative though some say they have to line up for hours before purchasing an item.
“I came here since 5am and unable to buy an item, we really need help because people are starving. The initiative is good but the items are not enough”, says linda a consumer.
“Such sales need to be organized in all the regions to ensure everyone benefits and priority should be given to consumers not vendors.” She adds.
The sales which started this day will last for a week and will be organized monthly.