GOVERNMENT and PF officials’ disregard for COVID-19 regulations has had a negative effect on the general public, Felix Mutati has observed.
The former minister of finance says government and ruling party officials must be immediately instructed to fully observe all public health guidelines.
“Currently, what we see on TV whereby leaders are clearly unconcerned with anti COVID-19 regulations, has had a negative demonstration effect on the general public,” Mutati observed.
“Unless leaders show seriousness, it is a toll order to expect ordinary members of society to take the stipulated regulations seriously,” he added.
Mutati observed that “many leaders don’t wear masks or observe social distance.”
“Ironically, some of the leaders hold very large meetings but on the other hand they are directing citizens to comply with regulations,” he observed.
He said if that was what it took, President Lungu should consider sanctioning and suspending any leader, Government or party, who was seen disregarding anti COVID-19 regulations.
Mutati said the Secretary General of the ruling party and the Government Chief Whip should also play their roles firmly.
Mutati also urged President Edgar Lungu to consider instituting “affirmative life-saving regulations spearheaded by leaders in Government and the PF Party” pointing out that current regulations were insufficient.
In the meantime Mutati has asked the Government to explain the rising numbers of sudden deaths in the country.
On Tuesday Health minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya told Parliament that Brought-In-Dead cases had risen to 97 in the last few days.
Over the last weekend alone, Kitwe Central Hospital revealed that it had received 25 cases of BIDs.
In a statement, the former finance minister said Vice-President Inonge Wina should consider giving the nation an update on BID cases.
“There are too many unexplained sudden deaths. The Vice-President through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) should demonstrate how the situation over the last three months compares to the same period last year? This is a matter the Veep should address urgently,” Mutati said.
Meanwhile, Mutati said he was shocked by the deaths of Rodgers Mwewa and Mwenya Munkonge, members of parliament for Mwansabombwe and Lukashya constituencies respectively.
As many Zambians have already done, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of Hon Munkonge and Hon Mwewa, both of whom passed away on Sunday,” said Mutati.
©Kalemba July 23, 2020
