By Rungano Dzikira

Consistent with the ‘save lives first’ and ‘safeguarding livelihoods next’ policy, Government yesterday partially lifted lockdown restrictions to allow SMEs in the manufacturing sector to return to work.

The decision to partly loosen screws on SME’s comes as President Mnangagwa swears to balance the attendant need to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country as well as keep the manufacturing sector functional amid the unprecedented global corona virus crisis.

In a special address to the nation yesterday, President Mnangagwa said, “In respect of our manufacturing sector, I have further directed that limited operations resume in the national interest, but mindful of the public health safeguards as already announced.

“This reprieve covers our manufacturers in our informal sector and SMEs as well, who have to use these two weeks to rebuild their capacities and stocks.”

Various informal sector groupings applauded Government decision toloosen National Lockdown screws on the sector insisting that the move would mitigate the negative impact of the lockdown and ensures quicker economic recovery after the pandemic.

Contacted for comment, SMEs Harare Chapter representative, Taona Muswere told Harare Post that the move was the best initiative towards the sector’s recovery and the sector would co-operate and abide by stipulated health measures to curb the spread of corona virus.

“Such a move also goes to show that Government appreciates and acknowledges our contribution as well as the extractive industry which has been left operational since the lockdown,” he said.