The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) observes that government’s decision not to lockdown the country even amid increasing Covid-19 positive cases is aimed at ensuring the economy continues to run smoothly.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, Association Executive Secretary Juba Sakala said Government has taken this position in order to save other sectors of the economy from completely collapsing, because the country’s manufacturing sector cannot be able to sustain the economy under a lockdown.
Mr. Sakala noted that the other reason that might have necessitated the decision is the recent partial lockdown the country enforced which had negative effects on businesses, consumers and other industries.
“I think government has taken that stance looking at the recent partial lockdown that we had, the effects it had on the economy and other businesses. Having a lockdown in this country, you know our manufacturing industry is very small, it is not that big that it can be able to sustain under the lockdown.”
“This is a bitter pill to swallow, but we have to swallow it,” Mr. Sakala said.
He stated that government does not want to take any more chances this time around as they would rather enhance the sensitization and some measures that have put been put in place so that people adhere as they do their businesses.
“I think they have examples and evidence from the recent partial lockdown we had, the impact it had and how much effect it had on consumers, industries and other sectors,” he stated.
Government has resolved not to go into a total lockdown as was proposed by some sections of society following the escalating number of Corona virus positive cases.
According to a communique issued by Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya, government during the 17th Cabinet meeting that had only participation of selected ministries and chaired by President Edgar Lungu, cabinet instead called for heightened sensitization about the pandemic and ways to prevent it.
Ms. Siliya said Cabinet observed that the numbers of positive cases have continued to rise because citizens have relaxed on wearing face masks, social distancing, washing hands and sanitizing, hence the need for all Zambians to be agents of change in the protection of lives.