Minister of Local Government says instructions that have been issued by some Councils regarding Covid-19 guidelines have not been cleared by relevant authorities.
Dr. Charles Banda instructed all local authorities to ensure that any statements on Covid-19 and other Policy issues have the blessings of the Ministry.
Dr. Banda said his Ministry is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in order to effectively enforce the Presidential directives.
“You may wish to note that the country is experiencing a second wave of Covid-19, a disease which has ravaged the entire world. The cases have continued to surge in the country and this has led to some unguarded statements regarding the guidelines which citizens must follow so that they are safe from this pandemic.”
“However, it has been noted that the sources of such instructions have been issued by some local authorities in the country. You may wish to note that these statements have not been cleared by the relevant authorities. To this effect, I wish to categorically instruct all local authorities that any statements on Policy and in this case for Covid-19 should have the blessing of the Ministry,” Dr. Banda directed.
He stated that Presidential directives given during President Edgar Lungu’s last National address on Covid-19 measures to be complied with by citizens are still in force.
Dr. Banda said citizens will be guided if there will be any other changes to the measures.
“As Minister in charge of Local Government, I now wish to state that his Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu rendered guidance in his last national address on Covid-19 measures to be adhered to by the citizens in terms of night club operations, Bars, restaurants, Gyms, Casinos, funerals and any other gatherings.”

“You are therefore informed that the Presidential directives are still in force and nothing more has been issued. You will be guided, should there be any other changes to the above stated measures in due course,” he said.
Dr. Banda’s comments come in the wake of recent instructions by Lusaka City Council that Bars and Night Clubs in the city will, with immediate effect, start operating on take away basis for 14 days to avert the escalating numbers of COVID- 19.
The Council has further suspended all social gatherings such as weddings, Chilanga Mulilo, Kitchen parties and Matebeto, while the Kitwe City Council also announced a ban on public gatherings and restricted funeral attendance to 50 people, whereas bars and nightclubs will only open on weekends for only five hours.