Traders count losses as 56 tonnes of produce rot

SCORES of vendors in Masvingo are counting their loses after over 56 tonnes of their avocados and bananas went bad following the closure of the biggest fresh produce market in the city, Chitima, during the national lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Some of the vendors fear they may never recover from the loss unless Government assists them financially after the lockdown period.

The provincial Covid-19 taskforce ordered the closure of all fresh produce markets in the city, including Chitima on the outskirts of the city and Tanaiwa near Mucheke bus terminus to de-congest those places and stop the spread of coronavirus.

Masvingo Fruit and Vegetable Association chairperson Mrs Tamisai Katini said their members lost at least 35 tonnes of bananas and 21 tonnes of avocados.

“There were seven trucks with bananas and four with avocados which all went bad after the market was closed. Our members are in deep trouble as we speak,” she said.

Council later re-opened Tanaiwa, which has a smaller carrying capacity of vendors. Business re-opened under heavy police watch following an outcry by vendors.

Mrs Katini said while the heavy police presence was meant to ensure social distancing, congestion remained a challenge at Tanaiwa.

The market only has 30 market stalls but more traders were now operating there.

Mrs Katini said they had since petitioned Government to re-open Chitima, which is bigger and spacious.

Masvingo District Development Co-ordinator Mr Roy Hove confirmed receipt of the petition from vendors to re-open Chitima and said the Covid-19 provincial task force was looking into the issue.

Masvingo is still to report its first Covid19 positive case with all tests conducted so far coming out negative.