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Development activity slows down in BulawayoBuilding plans approved by the Bulawayo City Council have declined by half between February and April as people began to feel the pinch of using hard currency on a daily basis.There was however an encouraging trend as the drop was mostly in the residential sector while there was an increase in industrial and commercial development. Figures released by the council show that 219 development plans valued at R28.5 million were approved by the council in February compared to 128 plans worth R14.1 million in April. There was only one public development plan in February but this rose to two in April. The council also approved one industrial development plan and four commercial development plans in April, a sign that people could be getting back into formal business. No industrial or commercial development plans were approved in February. A tour of the city shows that while there is increased commercial activity most businesses are converting clothing and shoe shops into grocery shops or supermarkets. This had led to increased competition in the sector resulting in a drop in prices. The only disadvantage is that prices are in rands and have thus become more expensive for consumers because they are paid in United States dollars. Most shops are trading at R8.50 to the greenback. Posted- 4 June 2009
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© Insider Publications 2009. This story is available for syndication. Contact the publisher at charlesrukuni@insiderzim.com
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