Tue, 09 Jan 2018 11:16:24 +0000
By KALOBWE BWALYA
THERE is no need to declare any state of emergency because the country was already in an emergency situation, says President Edgar Lungu’s Press aid Amos Chanda.
Mr Chanda said calling for state of emergency was not a solution to the problem, but working together as one would see cholera combated.
Mr Chanda explained that the Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya was empowered within the constitution under the fundamental rights and freedom to enforce any of the measures on grounds of Public Health.
Mr Chanda said even on grounds of morality freedom can be restricted, therefore there was no need of extra emergency in the country.
He castigated people who had taken advantage of the situation to start politicking over the outbreak and described them as sadists who always wished bad things for the country they claimed to love.
He said it was not time for politics, but to work together in ensuring that lives of many Zambians were saved.
“So all those who are condemning Government for the shutting down of businesses and removal of vendors from central business district (CDB) do not mean well to the country and not even any mining company or business is worth a life of a Zambian, therefore will ensure that no stone will be left unturned, but to fight the outbreak.
And Mr Chanda urged the media to desist from reporting negative about cholera, instead to help Government combat the epidemic through positive reporting.
Mr Chanda said it was irresponsible to purvey the information that can swing the fight against the epidemic.
He said there was nothing precious than a life of a Zambian and Government will not hesitate to shut down any business outlet that would be found contaminated with the bacteria to save lives.
“All media institutions are urged within the broader frame work of respect for freedom of expression to act responsibly because negative reporting will not do any good,” said Mr Chanda.
