News / National
Civil servants get new food supply scheme
19 Nov 2011 at 21:16hrs | Views
Civil servants are set to benefit from a new food supply scheme under which they will access groceries from selected trading outlets on credit at a sizeable discount.
It is understood Government and Corporate Stationers, a local school stationery supplier, are finalising the deal aimed at incentivising the Government employees.
Although Public Service Commission chairman Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwah could not be reached for comment, the firm's projects co-ordinator, Mr Noble Gapare, confirmed moves were afoot to ensure civil servants got an assortment of grocery items at affordable prices.
He said each public service member would also have the option of paying in instalments for goods under agreed terms. He said a group of manufacturers have already been contracted for the scheme.
"Members will be given their items before the completion of the 12-month instalments. We are just waiting for guarantee from the relevant authorities," he said.
Under the scheme, the Government Salary Services Bureau will approve members interested in the scheme. The members will then contribute US$10 per month in return for a wide range of basic goods.
The products will be purchased directly from suppliers and will, therefore, be comparatively cheaper than those sold at retail prices. The initiative will also ensure members have a consistent supply of the products, among them rice, cooking oil, sugar, laundry soap and beans.
Corporate Stationers will avail credit guarantees through credit insurance and banking institutions. Mr Gapare said: "The food suppliers that have been contracted have manufacturing plants, depots and collection centres in all the districts of Zimbabwe."
Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Senator David Coltart said the initiative would leverage ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of Government employees.
"Its principle is noble. I do not have much detail on the issue at the moment, but I do have an open mind regarding such ideas," he said.
"This will contribute towards ensuring the welfare of teachers who are an integral part of mainstream society."
It is understood Government and Corporate Stationers, a local school stationery supplier, are finalising the deal aimed at incentivising the Government employees.
Although Public Service Commission chairman Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwah could not be reached for comment, the firm's projects co-ordinator, Mr Noble Gapare, confirmed moves were afoot to ensure civil servants got an assortment of grocery items at affordable prices.
He said each public service member would also have the option of paying in instalments for goods under agreed terms. He said a group of manufacturers have already been contracted for the scheme.
"Members will be given their items before the completion of the 12-month instalments. We are just waiting for guarantee from the relevant authorities," he said.
Under the scheme, the Government Salary Services Bureau will approve members interested in the scheme. The members will then contribute US$10 per month in return for a wide range of basic goods.
The products will be purchased directly from suppliers and will, therefore, be comparatively cheaper than those sold at retail prices. The initiative will also ensure members have a consistent supply of the products, among them rice, cooking oil, sugar, laundry soap and beans.
Corporate Stationers will avail credit guarantees through credit insurance and banking institutions. Mr Gapare said: "The food suppliers that have been contracted have manufacturing plants, depots and collection centres in all the districts of Zimbabwe."
Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Senator David Coltart said the initiative would leverage ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of Government employees.
"Its principle is noble. I do not have much detail on the issue at the moment, but I do have an open mind regarding such ideas," he said.
"This will contribute towards ensuring the welfare of teachers who are an integral part of mainstream society."
Source - New Ziana
