COVID-19 spread by corruption

COMMUNITY members, who are part of virtual platforms established by communities working with Heal Zimbabwe from Gutu and Zaka, have singled out corruption by law enforcement agents as the major spreader of COVID-19.

This came out during a virtual meeting organised by Heal Zimbabwe on January 11, 2020.

The objectives of the dialogue were to take stock of how communities were coping during the 30-day lockdown and also conscientise communities on COVID-19.

Participants highlighted that besides the 30-day lockdown, most bar owners are bribing law enforcement agents so that they open their bars at night.

Participants also highlighted that government was supposed to continue strictly screening and testing people who are coming into local communities from countries such as South Africa that has in recent months recorded a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Mandatory screening and testing was not being prioritised during the festive season and, as such, in Gutu, we recorded an increase in the number of people coming from South Africa.

Other issues that came out during the dialogue include the reluctance by citizens to wear face masks and observe social distancing, especially at business centres and other public places.

The dialogue resolved that there was need for citizens to take ownership of the fight against COVID-19 instead of leaving the responsibility to law enforcement agents.

This involves encouraging community members to wear face masks, use soap to wash hands and observe other COVID-19 preventative measures.

The virtual dialogues championed by Heal Zimbabwe are an initiative meant to create platforms for communities to discuss and collectively identify ways through which they can proffer solutions to problems in their communities.

The virtual platforms also equip communities with relevant information on COVID-19, gender-based violence and human rights.

Virtual platforms facilitate local-level conversations on pertinent issues affecting communities as well as promote socially cohesive communities.

Heal Zimbabwe Trust