Industry pleads with Govt over lockdowns

Harare (New Ziana) – Industry has asked government to give it “ample notice” before imposing future national lockdowns to enable it better prepare for operations under such conditions.

Since March last year, Zimbabwe has been under various levels of national lockdowns imposed to curtail the spread of the deadly COVID-19.

As a result, business activity in the country, like everywhere else in the world, has been affected.

Industry representative body, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, has said while it appreciated the need to curb Covid-19 through lockdowns, it would prefer to be forewarned in advance to adjust operations accordingly.

“Recommendations to government include ample notice period before the implementation of national lockdown and (publication of) guidelines of exemptions and non exemptions to avoid confusion,” it said.

The CZI said most companies were now faced with several challenges including re-establishing supply chains that have been disturbed by the lockdown.

“Some of the business resumption challenges include re-establishments of supply chains, lack of working capital, loss of domestic and export markets,” it said.
New Ziana