Fight covid seriously, Govt urged
GOVERNMENT should lead by example in the fight against covid by avoiding meetings with large crowds, former Finance minister, Felix Mutati has said.
Mr Mutati has appealed to President Edgar Lungu to consider instituting affirmative life saving regulations spearheaded by leaders in Government due to escalating cases and deaths associated with COVID-19.
He said as a way forward, Government and the Patriotic Front must henceforth be instructed to fully observe all public health guidelines, including those related COVID-19 as a demonstration to the public, stating that currently what was being seen were leaders who are unconcerned with anti COVID-19 regulations which had a negative effect on the general public.
He said as things stand many leaders do not wear masks or observe social distance.
“Ironically, some of the leaders hold very large meetings but on the other hand they are directing citizens to comply with regulations. Unless leaders show seriousness, it is a tall order to expect ordinary members of society to take the stipulated regulations seriously,” he said. Mr Mutati said President Lungu should also consider sanctioning and suspending any leader in Government or party who was seen disregarding anti CIVID-19 regulations.
Meanwhile Mr Mutati said Rodgers Mwewa, Patriotic Front Mwansabombwe Member of Parliament and Mwenya Munkonge will be missed for their dedication to improve the lives of many people. Mr Mutati who is also former Lunte Member of Parliament said late Mwewa had left a huge gap not only in Mwansabombwe but also among the beneficiaries, current and past of his work at Fountain of Hope and the art industry in Zambia.
He said in an interview yesterday, “Many street and vulnerable children passed through his and his wife’s hands at Fountain of Hope for orphaned and vulnerable children. Well-wishers should continue to assist and support Fountain of Hope to ensure that the remaining administrators of the facility continue to be supported. In this way, the children will not suffer further since support will be available and assured,” he said.
Meanwhile, All Peoples Congress (APC) president, Nason Msoni has said it is now time for all Zambians including politicians to focus on the containment of the coronavirus as opposed to politicking,.
Mr Msoni said the spike in the numbers of infections should now be a source of concern for all political leaders in the country as opposed to pursuing and massaging the individual political ambitions.