Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Chieftains Kawaza of the Chewa people in Katete district has warned traders in her chiefdom against exploiting consumers.
Speaking yesterday when she received a team from the Consumer Competition Protection Commission (CCPC), Chieftainess Kawaza sad it was sad that people in villages have continued to be exploited by traders because of lack of information on rights that protect them.
She says rural areas have continued being used as dump sites for expired goods, a situation that has exposed unsuspecting persons to health risks.
The Chieftainess notes that it was common to find shops in rural areas where owners refuse to return exchange or refund customers once goods leave the shelves.
She adds that there was need for government to extend sensitization on consumer rights to rural areas.
She has since warned that she will not spare anyone in her chiefdom who will be found selling expired goods or abusing consumers.
And Consumer Competition Protection Commission (CCPC) Chief Investigator Moses Musantu said the commission has realized the danger consumers have been exposed to.
Mr. Musantu says because of this, the commission has embarked on a vigorous sensitization programme in Eastern province where it is meeting chiefs and their subjects to educate them on their rights as consumers.
He notes that the commission felt that consumers, mostly in rural areas, are abused by business persons who have taken advantage of the little understanding that people have concerning their rights as consumers.
Meanwhile, Headman Kwelewere of chief Kathumba’s area has urged the commission to form neighborhood watch groups that will help monitor traders in rural areas.
He has however challenged the commission to conduct an inspection in the district noting that many traders were selling expired goods and subjecting consumers to bad practices.