Prices of some foodstuff and other commodities have gone up in Kayonza District, a mini-survey by The New Times indicates. The price of peas has shot up by Rwf300 to Rwf1,500 a kilogramme in Kayonza Market, up from Rwf1,200 last week. A kilogramme of fresh beans rose from Rwf450 to Rwf500, while that of banana fingers (plantains) now costs Rwf280 compared to Rwf250. The price of Irish potatoes increased to Rwf320 per kilogramme up from Rwf280 a week ago. Venuste Gakwaya, a vendor in Kayonza Market, attributed the increase to the ongoing drought, saying they are getting supplies from farmers who use irrigation. Meanwhile, prices of other foodstuffs were unchanged. Sweet potatoes cost Rwf190 per kilogramme, cassava tubers are at Rwf220 per kilo, and maize flour cost Rwf500 a kilo, beef is at Rwf2,200 per kilo in Kayonza Market. A kilo of millet flour costs Rwf1,200, that of sorghum flour is at Rwf900 and onions cost Rwf900 per kilogramme. A basinful of tomatoes goes for Rwf6,500, passion fruits now cost Rwf1,500 a kilo and a kilo of rice ranges from Rwf750 to Rwf800 in most shops in Kayonza town. Charcoal ranges from Rwf7,000 to Rwf8,000 per sack in Kabarondo Market in Kayonza Market. A five-litre jerrycan of vegetable cooking oil is at Rwf6,500, while milk costs between Rwf300 and Rwf500 per litre in different trading centres in the district and a bar of soap is between Rwf400 and Rwf600. Paw paws are at Rwf400 each, watermelons are at between Rwf2,500 and Rwf3,000 each, depending on size.
