Prominent economist professor Oliver Saasa has called for the spelling out of clear cut measures and relief packages targeted at local and small and medium size enterprises which make up more than 80% of economic activities and is the largest employer in Zambia.
In an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Prof Saasa said there is need for more proactive measures for the business sector which has been the most challenged and posing risks to the country’s economy.
He said Zambians are hoping to hear more on how the businesses and local industry will survive amidst COVID – 19 outbreak therefore the multisectoral approach should be applied.
“We expect to hear more and precise information regarding the country’s largest economic sectors because the majority in the industry are small and local businesses which account for more than 80% of our economic activities, and it accommodates a large number of Zambians including poor people therefore the need to actively pay attention to it,” He added.
President Edgar Lungu in his third covid 19 address to the nation announced that Barbershops and Salons will continue to operate with strict adherance and observing social distancing and regular hand washing adding that failure to adhere to the public health regulations, guidelines and certification, will attract penalties including revoking of licences at any given time.
President Lungu’s third national address on the country’s COVID – 19 situation has received mixed reactions from various stakeholders stating that the speech did not clearly highlight additional measures towards the country’s key economic areas such as the local and SME sector despite an increase in COVID – 19 positive cases.
Speaking when he addressed the national on April 24, 2020 on COVID-19 monitored by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, the president disclosed that the country has recorded 8 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours bringing the cumulative number of cases in Zambia to 84.
Meanwhile, the country still remains at a death toll of three with 44 patients remaining under isolation among which 15 are health workers while 37 have recovered from COVID- 19.
The president had on April 23, 2020 announced his intentions to address the nation on consideration of re-opening key economic areas that were closed amid COVID- 19 to ensure certain activities continue with provided health guidelines.
However, in his address, the president announced the re-opening of worship places while observing social distancing, mandatory face masks and hand washing guidelines adding that Sporting activities such as golf and tennis, which do not involve physical contact between players can begin to be played but bars in those premises will remain closed.
