As the NGOs, which are supposed to expose manipulators, do not have the necessary mandate or power to do so, the government should supervise the market and put an end to any anomalies. The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) of the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade oversees about 60 NGOs that are supposed to protect the consumers' rights. People complain about fake and dubious goods of unknown provenance. They expect the Consumer Protection Agency to get its act together. “The CPA and affiliated organisations don't take their responsibilities seriously. They should also do something about skyrocketing prices," Ahmed Abdel-Moneim, an employee, said. “Some shops sell goods that don't comply with the required standards, and most traders refuse to take back defective articles or reimburse the customers," he stressed. He also criticised the CPA for ignoring the problem. “Everything is getting unbearably expensive. There are no butane cylinders. What does the agency do to protect us?" he asked. “Fake and faulty goods threaten public health. However, most citizens are not even aware of the CPA's responsibility to protect the consumers," added Mohamed Ahmed, another employee. But NGO members say they don't have the power to monitor the market. "It is our duty to educate citizens about their rights. There is not enough awareness to control the market; some traders subscribe to the idea of market freedom and do what they please," said Samia el-Gendi, Director of the Consumer Protection Association, an NGO located in Maadi, Cairo. She explained that NGOs could help President Mohamed Morsi achieve his 100-day plan and solve the rubbish, bread, security and traffic problems. "NGOs should be given the mandate to help the President implement his agenda. We need amendments to the law on consumer protection to beef up the NGOs' powers; but they can only do their job if properly funded. The CPA must be independent from executive authorities." An agency official confirmed that the NGOs lacked funds and financial resources. "If they were permitted to receive donations, it wouldn't guarantee independence and transparency. Although the CPA works with some 30 NGOs, they have no power," said Ahmed Samir, the executive manager of the CPA. "We need awareness campaigns in the media about the role of the agency and NGOs. It is the government's responsibility to monitor and control the market, prevent smuggling and importing fake goods," Ahmed added.
