Zamtan Covid-19 dry port re-opened

THE Covid-19 dry port at Zamtan in Kitwe has been re-established to screen those entering the city from other towns.

A month ago, the dry port was abandoned after only operating for a few days and residents expressed worry as it served as a screening centre for those entering the city through the Kitwe-Ndola highway.

The Daily Nation yesterday learnt that the dry port was operational and screening was being carried out.

Kitwe District Commissioner, Chileshe Bweupe, said the dry port was re-established after some sticky issues were resolved.

All parties involved, he said, appreciated the importance of establishing the dry port to screen those entering Kitwe from other towns.

Mr Bweupe said in an interview yesterday that the dry port was established after an intervention by Nkana Member of Parliament Alexander Chiteme.

He said the re-establishment was a positive development for

Kitwe in terms of fighting the Covid-19, where only one case has been recorded so far.

"This is a good development and obviously it will help us, as a district to screen those entering the district from other towns and ensure that we curb the spread of Covid-19,'' Mr Bweupe said.

He said people entering Kitwe from other parts of the country should wear masks to avoid the chances of spreading the disease.

Mr Bweupe said Government and other stakeholders should work together in addressing the challenges like lack of sanitizers and face- masks in various institutions.

"Challenges like sanitisers and others should be addressed by various stakeholders in Kitwe because Covid-19 was not selective and could strike at any once it was allowed to spread to Kitwe.

"Let us work in close collaboration to fight this disease. Those who can provide sanitizers, let them do so. What we need is close collaboration in ensuring we reduce the chances of spreading the disease to this place,'' he said