COVID-19 HELP-THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu has called for concerted efforts in the elimination of the novel coronavirus that has quickly spread globally.

Dr. Ng’andu said businesses needed to lend a supporting hand and be part of the solution in tackling the pandemic.

He said this when he received donations of hand sanitizers and ethanol from  Arub Industries Limited and Zhongakai  International Limited which would be given to the  National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) for use at various toll stations across the country and the border points respectively.

He noted that staff working at border points and toll stations, as well as all revenue collection points, were at the highest risk of exposure, hence the donations would help cushion the full impact of the constant contact they had with motorists.

“Everyone needs to come to the table and lend a supporting hand, businesses should be part of the solution.”

Dr. Ngandu also urged the public to take advantage of digital platforms and avoid the use of cash as it was a great potential transmitter of the virus.

He said the full impact of the Covid-19 on the economy could not be assessed at the moment as the virus was still spreading.

And Aru Industries Limited Marketing Manager Umesh Kumar said the company was donating 12 boxes of hand sanitizer which it had started manufacturing locally to help contain the spread of the virus and would later be distributed in communities to alleviate government’s efforts.

Meanwhile, Zhongkai International Limited representative Chan Guiping said businesses should not take advantage of the pandemic by increasing prices of hand sanitizers to their benefit but help the government prevent the further spread of the virus.

“Business should not take advantage of the situation we are in now to make profits out of hand sanitizers and other products but work with the Government to stop the spread of the pandemic.”

NRFA Director/Chief Executive Officer Eng. Wallece Mumba and ZRA Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda were on hand to receive the donations.