Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has revealed disappointment that the government lockdown extension still fell far short in terms of detail and that it is clear that in other instances the government seem to have succumbed to the self-interest of businesses and thereby endangering the nation.
The organisation Secretary-General Japhet Moyo says the ZCTU expected the President to be clear on a number of issues that make the lockdown bearable and effective.
“People are starving in homes and we, therefore, expected him to be elaborate on social assistance that would be made available to people and the criteria to be used for allocations per household,” he says.
“Surely the ZWL$ 200 allocation is inadequate and we suggest using either the Food Poverty Line of ZWL $1863 or newly gazetted minimum wage of ZWL $2500.”
The trade union also says if the issue of hunger is not addressed, Zimbabwe will see heightened tension between the government and citizens.
“This must be addressed urgently for workers and the poor will be forced to get out in search of food or aid,” Moyo says.
“Price increases of basic commodities as well as shortages of mealie-meal was also left out.”
“This is a major concern for the poor citizens who are facing serious hunger. Many are afraid they will die of hunger while attempting to avoid covid-19.” he went on.
ZCTU also says President Emmerson Mnangagwa ought to have pronounced measures of assisting ailing businesses which are genuinely not able to pay salaries, bank loans, rentals and other operational costs in order to protect jobs.
“Special assistance should also be targeted at SMEs and informal traders,” Moyo says.
“By now stakeholders should have an indication of how the government intend to address post lockdown economic recovery. This builds confidence and reduces anxiety.”
A survey by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) shows that businesses will lose over $5 million in revenue due to the effects of COVID-19.
The secretary-general also says the biggest issue that required more justification is the opening of the mining sector probably.
The government allowed the mining to resume or scale up operations during the extended lockdown with an objective of keeping the economy running.
“The mining sector is susceptible to respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumoconiosis making these workers at high risk of covid19 infections, Moyo says.
“Many mining operations are also owned and involve Chinese nationals thereby requiring special attention considering where the disease was first reported.”
President Mnangagwa extended the lockdown by two more weeks stating that conditions are not yet ready for lifting the movement restrictions.
ZCTU has welcomed the lockdown extension agreeing that the need to lift the lockdown or restrictions is when transmission of the virus is under control.
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