Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
As the country is in preparation of the national lockdown, not all services will be closed down as “essential” services of vital importance will remain operating.
This was revealed by the Minister of Industry and Commmerce, Sekai Nzenza in a statement after the government held an inter-ministerial task force meeting on Saturday.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the 27th of March indicated that essential industries will need to remain open to support the health sector and to ensure minimal disruption in critical goods and services.
“There is need for businesses which will be operating during this period are encouraged to put in place workplace prevention and early detection protocols to protect the employees and to mitigate the effects of the virus.
“Together with the Consumer Counci of Zimbabwe will make sure food is made available and monitor prices,” he said.
The statement issued out has the following service providers who will be functional.
“Electricity Distribution, water supply, sewerage and sanitation, supply of Fuel, LP Gas and other Industrial Gases. ICT – data centres, basic telecoms, fibre optic infrastructure, towers and antennae.
” All key providers of communication services, ICT support services for critical industries and for the banking sector should remain open,” she said.
The agricultural services and productive side will be open in support of the health and safety of citizens.
“Manufacturing and distribution of health-related products, supplies, devices, equipment and medicines as well as essential inputs there to will remain functional. Agricultural and food supply related operations, including farming, veterinary and phytosanitary service providers, pest control services, chemical and fertilizer production and distribution.
Food, beverages, poultry and dairy products including manufacturing, processing and distribution facilities for the value chain. Manufacturing and Importation of basic commodities.
“Manufacturing, processing and distribution of sanitisation products including soaps, detergents, disinfectants and sanitisers. Production and distribution of sanitary products including sanitary pads, cotton wool, tissues etc will remain in operation.
Warehousing, transport and logistics for food & essential products, and health-related goods. Production of packaging products that are critical in the movement and distribution of the above goods.Food outlets retail and wholesale shops for food and essential products.
Products categorized under essential products include toilet paper, cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants, personal hygiene products, bedding and clothing as well as essential supplies for
those taking care of the sick and to maintain the general public’s well-being,” said Hon Nzenza.
She announced that there are services that will be operational as they offer their services in the fight against Covid 19.
“All healthcare-related services be they public or private. Professional and artisan services, to the extent that they are providing support in the Covid19 response, essential and critical business continuity services.
” Cleaning, laundry and hospitality services supporting the Covid19 response. Hotels, airlines, stadiums, car rental services, to the extent that they are supporting the Covid-19 Response.
“Financial and insurance services and health funders required to finance and support essential and critical business continuity services in the Covid-19 response, and provide short term bridging finance to people and businesses
during this period.
” Communication and media services on screen, TV, radio, print, broadcast and online and safety and security services protecting people and property,” she added.
