By AARON CHIYANZO in Isoka
THERE will be no lockdown or curfew for Zambia even as the Covid-19 cases escalate because the economy has to be kept running, President Edgar Lungu has said.
President Lungu said closing down the economy because of Covid-19 was not a solution, noting that it had not worked for any country.
He said countries that had imposed lockdowns and curfews had still been hit by the pandemic.
President Lungu disclosed that he had been receiving advice to close the economy in the wake of the increased Covid-19 infections.
He however said during a meeting with the Isoka Chamber of Commerce yesterday that the economy would not close and asked businesses not to close.
“If we close up, people will still die of hunger,” he said.
President Lungu said for now there was need for mindset change and ensure that there was total adherence to Covid-19 preventive measures.
He said there was need to find practical measures to fight the pandemic.
“Even the talked about vaccine is not yet the solution because we don’t know how it works or how long it stays in the body,” he said.
And Isoka Chamber president, Lawrence Kasonde asked the President to ensure that some agro dealers and transporters who were still being owed were paid.
Mr Kasonde also asked the President to lift the ban on Mukula trade and reopen the closed Nkombwa Mine.
In response, President Lungu promised to engage Lands and Natural Resources minister, Jean Kapata on the Mukula matter and consult on possibilities of reopening the closed mine.
Earlier, President Lungu met the clergy of Isoka whom he advised not to be political because the people they looked after had different political backgrounds.
He also met Chief Katyetye, Chief Kafwimbi and Chietainess Nawaitwika as well as the headmen.
President Lungu assured the traditional leaders that the dilapidated Nakonde Road, now under construction would be completed soon.
Meanwhile, Chief Katyetye called on President Lungu to help reconcile officials from the party and public office who were at loggerheads.
He said there was no unity among officials in the district and that chiefs had tried to reconcile them but in vain.
Chief Katyetye however warned that lack of unity can lead to serious repercussions if not quickly controlled.
The chiefs thanked the PF Government for the massive development they were witnessing in Muchinga Province.
