Dear Editor,
AS the nation faces the reality of the ravages of Covid-19, I wish to appeal to the Zambia Police High Command to urgently move in and force compliance to all Covid-19 guidelines.
The latest measures announced by Government including the closure of bars, night clubs and casinos are welcome and should help stem the spread of the virus.
What is required – and urgently so – is for the uncompromising enforcement of these measures. It is disheartening that we keep receiving messages from people asking us to step in and help ensure Covid-19 compliance especially in Lusaka.
Unfortunately, we cannot do much at this stage because we do not hold any constitutional office as we are on leave until after elections.
At the height of the first and second waves, we worked tirelessly to impress upon Zambians to respect Covid-19 but our efforts were ridiculed. We were called names such as Head Boy, Prefect and some even reported us to the ACC for alleged abuse of office authority.
It is my firm belief that had we all adapted our lives to living under Covid-19 by complying with all guidelines, we would have made so much progress and averted the crisis we are in today. We feel our actions have now been vindicated.
Majority of Zambian families have today been directly or indirectly affected by the pandemic. The BIDs are piling up, young doctors who are in the front line are dying while hospitals are full.
It is therefore inconsiderate that some people can still opt to go out in the night to drink and dance, risking the lives of their families.
We need to take responsibility of our actions and do that which protects our families. The men (especially) who are still spending time in bars should be called out for what they are, weak, irresponsible and sorry excuse of of men.
I also appeal to our women to help pump some sense in some of these men by making them stay home.
At this stage, only uniformed men and women can help the situation by forcing people to comply including bar owners and I believe the Police are equal to the task.
LEVY MWALE
Lusaka
Author
