Terrence Mawawa|Retail outlets in the rural areas have pegged high prices for stationery making it difficult for parents to cope with preparations for the new school term.

See below a statement that has been released by former Masvingo Central Constituency MP Jeffryson Chitando on the pathetic situation in the rural areas:
Eversharp 15 M ballpoint pen at Topora Township in Masvingo just after Lake Mutirikwi wall is going for $1,05 and the price of exercise books is $2,00 .An HB pencil is going for $0,75.

At Nyikavanhu Business Centre in Masvingo South an HB pencil is going for $1,00 and an eversharp 15M ballpoint pen is pegged $1,10. Exercise books range from $1 to $2,50 depending on size and quality of paper.

The parents of school going children in Malipati in Chiredzi South will fork out between $1,50 to $3 for exercise books.There is is no joy as a ballpoint pen is going for $1 to $ 2 depending on the type of the pen.Pencils are in short supply at the rural shops in this remote district.

In Chiredzi North at one substandard pole and dagga shop the price of an Eversharp 15 M ballpoint pen is pegged selling at $1,50.