The consumer products supply regulatory authority, MIRAP, has launched the second edition of its periodic market in the South West Region. Holding at the Bongo’s Square ceremonial ground Buea from April 3 to 4, the public purchased basic consumer goods at lower than market rates.
When Cameroon Tribune, CT, visited on Tuesday April 3, the entire area had been transformed into a market. Bunches of plantain, trays of eggs, yam, cocoyam, pear, beef, pork and frozen fish, were exhibited for sale. Rice, soap, tomato, butter and several other items were equally placed at the disposal of potential buyers.
Despites the afternoon rains, the influx of buyers, mostly women, was unabated. Many of them had learnt of the offer through radio announcements or other women. As such, most of them from Buea Town, Bokwaongo, Long Street, Great Soppo, Bonduma, Molyko and neighbouring areas, could be seen buying the goods in bulk. The reason being that they intend to continue enjoying the products long after.
Some women CT spoke to explained that they saved between 20 per cent and 50 per cent by shopping at the market. A tray of eggs that normally costs FCFA 2,000 was sold at FCFA 1,600 and a 50-kg sack of rice for FCFA 16,000 instead of FCFA 18,000. A kilogramme of beef and pork cost FCFA 2,400 and 2,200 respectively, all lower than their normal cost. The goods were generally sold at wholesale prices, even though they were sold directly to consumers.
According to the Administrator of MIRAP, Bamzok Ntol Cyprien, the periodic market idea is one of MIRAP’s tools in the fight against high cost of living. The exercise is intended to hold every month between the 25th and 30th or during the first five days of the month. Goods are made available to MIRAP through a supply contract with producers after sensitisation meetings. After signing supply contracts, facilities are equally provided to assist in their production. So far, MIRAP has signed 12 agreements with producers and other business people.
