Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
MEMBER of Parliament for Vungu Constituency in Lower Gweru, Cde Omega Sibanda has roped in local leaders for outreach programmes aimed at mitigating the spread of Covid-19.
Following a surge in Covid-19-related deaths in Lower Gweru last week, Cde Sibanda said it was time the community worked as a unit to fight the spread of the virus.
Cde Sibanda said he has engaged chiefs, headsmen, village heads, church pastors and bishops among other community leaders in his area to ramp up awareness campaigns amid reports the pandemic was wrecking havoc in the area with villagers continuing to ignore Covid-19 rules and regulations.
Last week five people in Lower Gweru died after they attended a funeral and conducted body viewing of a relative who had succumbed to the virus.
In an interview, Cde Sibanda said he was one of the first MPs to take the Covid-19 awareness campaigns to his Constituency after the President ordered that MPs do so about three months ago.
“I was one of the MPs to organise a meeting where I invited all traditional leaders in Lower Gweru and the Minister of Local Government, Cde July Moyo where we interacted with them as part of awareness campaign on Covid-19. We have been on the ground and advising villagers to adhere to Covid-19 regulations and avoid unnecessary movements,” he said.
Cde Sibanda lamented the level of complacency and ignorance among the villagers despite the campaigns.
He said the deaths which were recorded in the area were worrying and pleaded with the community to observe Covid-19 regulations.
“We have been on the ground, we try to educate the villagers about this disease but the level of complacency is so worrying, but we will continue to do our campaigns. I have engaged all local leadership so they reach out to everyone,” he said.
Cde Sibanda said there was need to empower traditional leaders with power to fine Covid-19 violators in rural communities.
He said funerals were becoming Covid-19 super spreaders in rural areas.
“There is need to strictly follow laid down procedures if we are to win this war together, we also need to empower our local leaders so they can punish those who do not follow the Covid-19 protocols,” he said.
Chief Sogwala said they will work hand-in-hand with the local leadership in the fight to reduce the spread of the virus.
Government regulations stipulate that only 30 people are allowed to attend funeral gatherings under strict Covid-19 health protocols, while body viewing is banned.
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