by Christopher Makaza
Today marks the 3rd day of level 2 of the national lockdown that has allowed industry and commerce to re-open following relaxation of the regulations by Government.
A snap survey carried out by this publication across the country to assess the situation on the ground and compliance of the lockdown guidelines revealed that the movement of people and vehicles has slightly increased.
This publication noted that the majority of people in the high density suburbs are moving around without putting on masks despite government`s directive that everyone should put on masks if moving out of their homes.
A disposable mask at a pharmacy is costing between US$1 and US$3, while a reusable one costs between US$3 and US$5. However, home-made masks were going for between $10 and $15 in local currency.
The generality of Zimbabweans do not have access to foreign currency being charged on the masks and cannot afford the disposable masks that they will have to discard daily. It therefore makes more economic sense to use reusable homemade masks being recommended by Government, as it is more cost efficient whilst serving the same purpose.
Many people are improvising, putting on scarfs and head wraps as masks. However, if not properly used and not washed for each use, the reusable improvised masks can be a health hazard as they can harbour bacteria and viruses.
Those companies were opened, had by mid-day today not complied with the mandatory testing of their employees citing exorbitant charges on COVID-19 testing kits. According to our survey, a test kit is averaging US$25, which is beyond the reach of many especially with the scarcity of the United States dollar.
Private companies like OK were complaining that CIMAS and Lancet Laboratories were charging as much as US$30 for testing.
Government hospitals are overwhelmed by the COVID-19 testing, resulting in private companies seeking their own test kits.
The publication also noted that although some unscrupulous retailers have full stocks of basic commodities, the majority of consumers are failing to make purchases because of the exorbitant prices being charged. These business people are ignoring Government price moratorium on basic goods, preferring super profits, instead of joining hands with the Government in fighting the deadly virus.
Although the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) announced the suspension of the distribution of subsidised roller meal, they have resolved to proceed with the distribution while negotiations with the Government are underway. A 10kg of subsidised roller meal is going for RTGs $70 while unsubsidised mealie meal is costing more than ZW200 in most retail shops.
GMAZ had cited the increase in maize producer price for suspending the maize subsidy programme.
The fuel situation remains stable across the country though small queues were seen at some service stations. Fuel demand has slightly increased due to the re-laxation of the lockdown.
This publication also noted that the informal sector which is the source of livelihood for many people has re-surfaced in the high density suburbs. Areas like Gazaland and Magaba are allegedly operating during the night in breach of COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
