- Lesotho authorities are currently sensitising the public on the food price subsidy.The campaign, conducted by officials from Trade and Marketing departments, sensitises citizens about the recommended prices.
The provision of subsidy for selected food items by 20% was announced by Lesoth's former Acting Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Ralechate Mokose. It takes effect from 1 October this year until 31 March next year.
Led by the Director of Trade and Marketing, the campaign which began in Mokhotlong on Tuesday, is expected to cover the districts of Thaba-Tseka, Botha-Bothe, Leribe, Berea, Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale's Hoek and Quthing as well as Qacha's Nek throughout this month.
A news released issued by the government quoted the Trade and Marketing Manager, Mr. Mopeli Makoanyane as saying that the team will rope in Districts Admninistrators whose duty it is to disseminate information to the public.
The selected food items include Letsema and Silver Cloud Special Maize Meal from Lesotho Flour Mills and Lesotho Milling Company as well as Maluti Made Dairy products that include both fresh and sour milk.
Makoanyane added that speckled sugar beans and peas packed by Crystals and Tasty companies are expected to be sold at reduced prices.
He was however quick to point out that the government is faced with the challenges of revising prices on monthly basis considering the rate at which the new prices are increasing.
"We are obliged to revise the prices on monthly basis in order to control the prices of these food items as they increase rapidly," he said.
The government initiative, spurred by years of severe ravaging droughts, also intends to meet the poor in vallages.
Under the initiative, the government will incur any extra costs from the suppliers and wholesalers provided they sell the items to public at retail prices.
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