By JOHN SAKALA
Minister of Local Government Charles Banda has called for thorough cleaning of markets weekly by traders as defiance of the directive may result in closure of such facilities.
Solwezi Municipal Council will therefore join traders in markets in cleaning their trading premises starting yesterday April 4, 2020 commencing at 07:00 hours.
All traders are encouraged to actively participate in cleaning areas they trade from in order to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 which has claimed 1 life in Zambia.
Meanwhile, Solwezi Municipal Council working with Zambia Police has between March 27 and April 2, 2020 closed 20 bars and revoked Liquor Licenses for businesses that were found contravening the 14 days suspension of operation of bars, night clubs, gyms, casinos and cinemas as directed by the Republican President to prevent the further spread of the Coronavirus.
Over 160 assorted cases and crates of alcohol have been confiscated in addition to 20 litres of Kachasu; 1 Desktop, 4 Speakers, 2 Amplifiers and 1 DVD player.
Further, 2 Restaurants were closed for non-compliance as well as 1 church which was found open to congregants.
As a Council, we note with concern the non observance of the 1 metre apart social distance in public places such as markets, bus stations and some business premises as guided by the Ministry of Health.
The local authority is emphasizing the need for members of the public to observe social distancing (1 metre apart) as one way of preventing the spread of the COVID-19 among other measures.
The local authority maintains that the precautionary measures put in place are not meant to paralyze businesses but safeguard lives of the Zambian people
This is according to a media statement made available to The Independent Observer by Solwezi Municipal Council Assistant Public Relations Manager Esther Chirwa.
