Mozambique: Cement prices soar in Maputo

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Mozambique: Cement prices soar in Maputo

3:29 CAT | 14 Jan 2021

File photo: Rádio Moçambique

It is becoming more and more expensive to build a house in the province and city of Maputo. According to the National Inspectorate of Economic Activities (INAE), in the last few days, the price of construction cement has risen sharply, reaching 720 meticais per 50 kg bag.

However, according to INAE spokesman Tomas Timba, work carried out by the inspection teams between the 5th and the 11th of January established that the same product ex factory cost between 445 and 465 meticais, a difference of around 255 meticais.

“At the moment, we have teams in the field working with the large stockists and also with the factories, in order to gauge the reasons for the rise in prices across the country, especially in the city and province of Maputo, and to survey the current situation to understand what is happening in the market,” Timba explained.

Timba stressed that there was, in his view, no reason why cement should cost as much as 700 meticais a bag, despite the cost of transport and storage.

Shrimp unfit for consumption seized

In addition to the increase in the price of cement, the INAE has also identified shrimp unfit for consumption in Maputo.

Although the product was within its validity period, it was unsuitable for consumption because it had “suffered excessive thermal shock”, Timba told reporters, and would be incinerated. In total, 92 boxes of shrimp were seized.

Magnesol in used cooking oil

Timba also announced that the INEA had collected samples of oil from catering establishments found to contain a product called magnesol, which is used to ‘recondition’ old frying oil.

“This product is being withdrawn from the market, and administrative measures are being taken in relation to the establishments where the oil was found, because it is a danger to public health,” he said.

By Marta Afonso

Source: Carta de Moçambique