By Garikai Mafirakureva
IT continues to be business as usual in Chiredzi as residents go about their normal daily chores without observing the lockdown restrictions imposed by authorities to minimise the spread of the coronavirus in the sugar-cane farming town.
Bottlestores, bars, nightclubs and sit-in restaurants, pirate taxis, rural mobile markets and holiday extra lessons are still running as usual, while most residents are not masking up.
The town’s light industrial site remains a hive of activity since the announcement of the localised lockdown, with operators, mostly informal traders, not adhering to safety protocols prescribed by health authorities.
According to a June 17-21 report by Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe COVID-19 taskforce, the sugar-milling company alone had recorded 154 cases since May 1 and the numbers keep rising.
The report cited Triangle’s Sections 13 and 63, Mufakose A, Rufaro A and Hippo Valley Estates’ Chishamiso as well as Chiredzi town as COVID-19 hotspots.
“Key among the identified triggers for the recent spike were two overnight church gatherings, where people failed to abide by our COVID-19 protocols. This example of failure to follow protocols may well be attributed to complacency,” the report read.
“I am sure we have all observed that while people wear masks and sanitise in the workplace, few abide by this discipline in the community. This is something that we should collectively address immediately.
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“Let us as employees complement the government and management efforts through reminding and encouraging fellow employees, our family members, relatives and other citizens to observe COVID-19 protocols at all times.”
Masvingo provincial COVID-19 taskforce spokesperson Rodgers Irimayi said people in Chiredzi should follow the heath guidelines to prevent further spread of the respiratory disease.
“We encourage people to adhere to the set guidelines. The security is set to deal with errant behaviours of those who flout government regulations. Awareness campaigns are being carried out to ensure people have the information and maintain compliance,” he said.
United Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association spokesperson Constance Chikumbo said her association was working hard to disseminate vital information on COVID-19 to residents.
“People should try and limit unnecessary movements and gatherings to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus,” she said.
“We urge people not to be complacent and treat everybody as COVID-19 positive. Let’s wear our masks in public and sanitise or wash our hands with soap and water all the time. We are also urging vendors and the community to complement government efforts in trying to flatten the curve so that we return to our normal lives again.”
The COVID-19 situation in Chiredzi is exacerbated by porous borders which it shares with Mozambique and South Africa, where border jumpers are neither screened nor tested for the virus.
However, most people who spoke to Southern Eye said they could not stay locked up at home because they lived from hand to mouth.
- Follow Garikai on Twitter @garry4peace
