By Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa has urged all telecommunication companies in the country, particularly Netone and Econet to partake in the nation’s preparedness to the Corona Virus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Speaking during his recent visit to Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital in Harare, where he was examining the centre’s developments on COVID-19 preparedness.
“This is a national emergency, as well as a national request, we urge the private sector to step in, perhaps Netone and Econet to have a special dispensation of bundles for the public to be able to reach out on what is supposed to be done,” he said.
The main opposition party president also revealed that various groups in the country ranging from the clergy, business owners, church leaders and citizens should partake in this preperation.
This will help to provide awareness and measures against the pandemic that has claimed thousands of lives across the world.
“Our appeal is to the people of Zimbabwe, to be alert and to put our hands on the deck and a call to action for everyone.
“This is a national, international and global emergency also a demand or request. So we need to come together for a preparedness purpose. Members of the clergy, churches and faith leaders accross different denominations as well as the business sector should also participate.”
In addition, the opposition leader described a comment recently made by minster of defence, Opah Muchinguri as deceiving.
Addressing war collaboration members over the weekend in Chinhoyi she described the novel coronavirus as a punishment from God to the western countries in particular United States of America that imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Chamisa expressed that he looks forward to the retraction of the statement by Muchinguri since the virus is about health and human life not politics, there should be room for sympathy.
“It is very unfortunate, very misplaced and im sure its something hopefully she is going to withdraw her words. Im sure its something that was said during a moment of madness,” he added.
Zimbabwe is yet to record a single case of coronavirus so far with only suspected cases testing negative, whilst neighbouring South Africa has recorded more than 60 cases.