By Anyway Yotamu
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed concern over the number of returnees who are absconding from quarantine facilities around the country and has urged Zimbabweans to be on the lookout for returning residents who do not have COVID-19 clearance certificates.
COVID-19 is wreaking havoc across the globe with Zimbabwe not being spared.
This has seen various companies, church-based organisations, and international humanitarian organisations continuing to heed the president’s call to assist the government in its COVID-19 response strategy.
This saw more donations being presented to the president at the State House.
Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority presented a cheque worth ZWL$1 million and some hand sanitisers to President Emmerson Mnangagwa who was in the company of Vice President Kembo Mohadi who chairs the COVID-19 inter-ministerial task force.
Viking Hardware Managing Director Shlomo Lepar presented an assortment of personal protective equipment and thermometers.
The company also pledged some cash to be donated to an institution in Bulawayo province to be nominated by the President.
Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe represented by Archbishop Dr. Johannes Ndanga donated 450 by 10 kgs of roller meal, 10 cartons of cooking oil, 10 cartons of sugar, cartons of green bar soap, 600 plastic buckets as well as chunks for relish.
Receiving the timely donations President Mnangagwa commended the collective and individual efforts of all Zimbabweans who have been complimenting government efforts.
He however expressed concern over the increase in cases of returnees absconding from quarantine facilities endangering the lives of other citizens.
“In the SADC region, we took a collective decision to close our borders to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 but we agreed that on 2 important things, prioritising our citizens and allowing critical trade. Now we have Zimbabweans returning from all over but unfortunately, we hear stories of those who are absconding from the quarantine facilities without completing the mandatory 21 days,”
President Mnangagwa also said some of the donated goods such as mealie meal are being given to frontline workers in appreciation of their invaluable contribution.
The President also paid tribute to the local universities and industries that have diverted from their lines of production to produce PPE’s and hand sanitisers needed in the fight against COVID-19.