More than $600 million will be extended to small
businesses, vendors and the elderly by Government in the next fortnight as part
of elaborate interventions to compensate for loss of income during the
coronavirus-induced 21-day national lockdown.
The lockdown, which began on Monday, will run until April
19. People who were living on the streets have already been evacuated, while
temporary settlements that had been built for Cyclone Idai victims in
Chimanimani are being decongested.
The Sunday Mail has established that the ministries of
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare; Women Affairs, Small and Medium
Enterprises and Communty Development, as well as local authorities are working
on a database for the affected groups.
Beneficiaries would soon start receiving cash benefits. “The
disbursements are set to start soon. Once we have received the data and verify
it, then we start disbursing the grants.
“The payment will be done within the 21-day (lockdown)
period. “This programme is targeting those whose livelihoods were
affected by the lockdown. The assistance they will get is short term.”
Ministry of Women Affairs, Small and Medium Enterprises Dr
Sithembiso Nyoni said associations that represent small businesses were
currently compiling lists of members expected to benefit from the facility.
“We have instructed the associations of small businesses to
come up with lists of their members so that they can be forwarded to the
relevant authorities,” she said.
Government has also availed shelter for people living in
the streets.
Those rounded up have been taken to Ruwa Rehabilitation
Centre for temporary shelter while long-term plans are being worked out.
In Chimanimani, Cyclone Idai survivors have been provided
with protective clothing.
The settlements have also been decongested. Chimanimani
District Development Committee (DDC) chairperson Mr Joseph Manyurapasi said
families living in camps have been adequately educated about the coronavirus
and the national lockdown.
“The current set-ups in Chimanimani resemble most typical
settlements in the country. There is enough space for people to practise social
distancing,” he said.
“Unlike during Cyclone Idai where we were caught unawares,
this time around we are prepared and we have been educating the people in
Chimanimani on how they can protect themselves and prevent the spread of the
disease.
“We have received protective clothing and sanitisers from
Government.” Government has also drilled five boreholes at Parirenyatwa Group
of Hospitals in Harare to ease the wter situation.
In addition, innovation hubs in universities countrywide
have been mandated to produce hand sanitisers and protective clothing.
There is currently a shortage of hand sanitisers in most
retail shops, with the few that are available attracting premium prices.
Increased local production is, however, expected to ensure
affordable prices. Sunday Mail
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