Day four of the national lockdown to prevent the rapid spread of the novel Coronavirus; COVID-19 has been characterized by heavy police presence in Bulawayo’s Central Business District. There were roadblocks along major roads manned by security forces that were thoroughly probing every citizen’s intention to get into town. Those who failed to give satisfactory answers were promptly turned back and those whose itinerary fell within the essential parameters were allowed to proceed.
Some residents wandered in search of subsidized mealie-meal while others joined long queues outside supermarkets to buy basic commodities. Long queues were also witnessed at ZESA offices and Mukuru outlets as residents were trying to buy electricity and access cash sent from the diaspora.
The police resolved to move into the streets and ensure citizens comply with government regulations and in some instances, they were controlling queues to ensure adherence to social distancing measures. More people have reportedly been arrested due to non-compliance.
In light of the ailing informal economy, some residents have been failing to comply with measures imposed by the government to control the spread of coronavirus. The highly informal nature of the economy which makes people live from hand to mouth; and ignorance of an impending crisis in the event of an outbreak are some of the reasons why some residents fail to comply.
In high-density suburbs, residents were casually roaming the streets, children seen playing outside while some vendors set up their stalls in front of their yards or go back to their usual vending areas later during the day to ensure continued generation of income in the midst of the pandemic.
The move by the Zimbabwe Republic Police to ensure adherence to the critical measures imposed by the government is important in combating the spread of Covid-19. Military action was mentioned amongst some of the raft measures to deal with non-compliance. So far, Zimbabwe has confirmed 8 Covid-19 cases and 1 death.
Habakkuk Trust is urging all residents to stay at home and move when necessary. The organization calls on the government to ensure that food and basic services are available at all times. The security forces should be human rights friendly in enforcing the lockdown order.
Source: Habakkuk Trust
