Lungu Urged To Gradually Reopen Key Sectors

President Lungu has been urged to begin gradually reopening key sectors of the economy which have been closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. 

The statement, released by the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), outlined to the government the adverse effects of the Covid-19 shutdown on several economic sectors, which are vital for national development. 

YALI President Andrew Ntewewe called on the government to begin reopening schools and some key businesses, saying the the continued shutdown was taking a toll on the ability of Zambians to lead normal lives.

“We recommend the reopening of schools to pupils in examination classes, colleges and universities and the sale of alcohol in bars, night clubs, lodges and hotels with adequate space on a take-away basis,” he said.

YALI praised the government for its gentle approach to tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, saying it would have been rash to implement a total lockdown as other countries have done.

“It would have been naive for Government to succumb to pressure from those who have never run Government before, to effect a total lockdown based on emotions rather than the evidence-based approach and logic advocated by the President,” said Ntewewe.

Nevertheless YALI warned that the continued shut down of the informal sector will further damage Zambia’s economy and make it difficult for businesses to recover even after the pandemic passes.

The statement comes as the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Zambia rises to to 146, with four deaths. 

YALI President Andrew Ntewewe in February 2020