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Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
CHURCHES yesterday hailed Government’s decision to allow companies and individuals with offshore and free funds to import specified basic commodities in short supply saying the move was progressive as it would enhance the quality of life for Zimbabweans.

Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe secretary-general Reverend George Manongwa said the association was excited by the decision by the Government as it had the effect of improving the availability of basic commodities.

“As churches we are happy with that decision. We will continue to pray for President Mnangagwa for more wisdom to make decisions that are responsive to the needs of the people as what he has done in the present case,” said Rev Manongwa.

Rev Manongwa was speaking during a prayer session for patron of the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Churches Council Mr Jimayi Muduviri, who is receiving treatment at a Johannesburg, South Africa, hospital.

“The Government made a timely intervention to help its people. We applaud it for that,” said.

In an interview, Mr Muduviri said the decision by the Government was progressive as it had averted a potential shortage of basic commodities.

“We are quite happy as churches for that decisive action by the Government.

“It will ensure that we have constant supply of basic commodities while our local industry recovers so that they are able to restock and be able to satisfy  local demand,” said Mr Muduviri.

The measures, he said, were consistent with Government’s Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) that it announced a fortnight ago.

Mr Muduviri said they will continue praying for the Government.

“We have full confidence in the leadership of President Mnangagwa and his team. We will continue praying for him so that God continues to grant him wisdom,” he said.

Mr Muduviri implored Zimbabweans to remain united while Government pursues policies aimed at ensuring the turnaround of the economy.

“Let us not be divided. We are one people who should have a common vision,” said Mr Muduviri.

Commodities that can now be imported include animal oils and fats (lard, tallow and dripping), baked beans, body creams, bottled water, cement, cereals, cheese, coffee creamers, cooking oil, crude soyabean oil, fertiliser, finished steel roofing sheets, wheat flour and ice cream.

Those with free funds can also bring in jams, juice blends, margarine, mayonnaise, packaging materials, peanut butter, pizza base, potato crisps, salad creams, shoe polish, soap, sugar, synthetic hair products, wheelbarrows, agrochemicals and stockfeeds.