CDEDI Takes Govt to Task on COVID19

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI) Executive Director Sylvester has accused the government of hypocrisy for not easing COVID – 19 restrictions in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Namiwa told Zodiak on Monday that the government should consider the hospitality industry as it is on the verge of collapse due to the outbreak of the disease.

“The Tonse Alliance government is trying very hard to make us believe that the virus is very sensitive. It is very sensitive that it does not spread during political gatherings but it is super spreading in the hospitality industry, entertainment and sport industries.

“This has been clearly demonstrated by the carelessly reviewing of the Covid – 19 restrictions over the weekend where the minister announced the relaxation of the restrictions allowing political rallies or political parties to increase in number.

“We know for sure that it has been done deliberately to pave way for Malawi Congress Party and all political parties to take part in the impending by – elections.

“If such measures were put in place in good faith the areas that were supposed to benefit were the hospitality and entertainment sectors which are on its deathbed due to the pandemic and employ thousands of Malawians,” explained Namiwa.

Chairperson for the presidential Taskforce on Covid – 19 Dr. Wilfred Chalamira Nkhoma differs with Namiwa that the hospitality industry was the most favored one, with soft restrictions.

“We will remind Mr. Namiwa and all Malawians that these regulations and guidelines the Task force does go with international indicators. “When you read what Namiwa released you get the feeling that his conclusions are not consistent with the truth.

“We have unbanned political party gatherings and still tie them to a certain number. Any sector is tied to this number. On the contrary to what he says, hospitality and recreation industries have been left scot free on what to do.

“What they have been told is to make sure they disinfect their places frequently, to decongest their places and encourage take-aways but they are not even given numbers,” said Nkhoma.

Currently the country is on level two restrictions with public gatherings being restricted to 100 people in doors and 250 people outdoors.

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