Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
THE importance of accurate and fair measurement practices took centre stage in Bulawayo this Friday as Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Metrology Day.
Government regulators and industry stakeholders used the occasion to reinforce the need for strict adherence to scientifically verified measurement standards in order to protect consumers and promote fair trade.
The commemorations brought together the Department of Trade Measures, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) and other regulatory bodies responsible for ensuring compliance with national measurement standards across various sectors of the economy.
Officials stressed that accurate measurements are critical in safeguarding consumers from being shortchanged by unscrupulous business operators.
ZERA Regional Compliance Officer Technical Engineer Hugh Mlauzi said regulators remain committed to protecting the public through continuous monitoring and enforcement.
“Our responsibility as a government entity is to protect consumers and ensure that they are never shortchanged. When a customer buys fuel at a given price, they must receive the correct quantity,” he said.
Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Deputy Director for Business Development, Mrs Gladys Zizhou highlighted the importance of metrology in industrial development.
“Bulawayo has always been Zimbabwe’s industrial hub, and therefore metrology, which is the science of measurement, remains critical. Every citizen deserves the assurance that when they pay for a kilogramme, they receive exactly that,” she said.
Authorities noted that consumer protection is strengthened through statutory instruments and regulatory institutions tasked with monitoring compliance and addressing industrial measurement malpractices.
Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, said regular calibration of equipment is necessary to maintain accuracy and prevent losses to consumers.
“As a consumer, when I buy 10 litres of fuel, I must have confidence that I am receiving the correct amount. However, machinery can be tampered with or lose accuracy over time through constant use. That is why fuel pumps and other measuring equipment must be calibrated every six months to ensure precision is maintained. Without proper calibration, what should be 50 litres may become 48 litres, and consumers end up suffering losses over time,” he said.
Regulators say they will continue strengthening monitoring systems and enforcing compliance measures aimed at promoting fairness in business transactions, integrity in trade and consumer protection across the country.
