BY MUYANI SHINJABALE
THERE is no need for the public to start panic-buying of food and basics goods during this period as Government will ensure availability of essential home requirements, says Copperbelt Minister Japhen Mwakalombe.
He said panic-buying of food would just create an artificial shortage of food stuffs in chain stores in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.
Mr Mwakalombe was speaking in Shoprite at Kafubu Mall in Ndola when he toured various places to check health compliance levels.
The Minister was accompanied by his Permanent Secretary, Bright Nundwe, District Commissioner Antony Katonga, Provincial Health Director Dr Robert Zulu and other senior Government officials.
“There is no need to panic and I want to assure the people of the Copperbelt that Government is equal to the task of supplying food,” he said.
He stated that those stock piling food were only risking their food going bad and would only end up losing out.
Meanwhile, Mr Mwakalombe noted with concern that a good number of employees in shops were not wearing protective masks.
He urged store managers to ensure that they complied with the laid down protective measures to curb the virus.
Mr Mwakalombe was however impressed with the clean surroundings, social distancing as well as use of sanitisers.
The Minister toured Jacaranda Mall where he visited Pick and Pay, Bata, Gigibbonta ice cream shop, Debonairs, Nandos, Hungry Lion, Zesco outlet and Standard Chartered Bank.
At Kafubu Mall, he visited Shoprite, Pizza Inn, Galitos and Hungry Lion then later visited Choppies at Choppies Mall.
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