MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR, HIS WORSHIP WILD NDIPO, ON CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Following the 20th March 2020 declaration of State of Disaster by His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, the President of the Republic of Malawi, Blantyre City Council has put in place deliberate measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the City to complement pronouncement.
So far the Council has placed the water buckets mixed with chlorine in all strategic points in all the 34 Markets within the City with the belief that all markets users will make good use of the facilities.
We are also appealing to all owners of butcheries, food stalls, hawkers in these markets to support these initiatives by making a provision of hand washing utensils for use by their customers.
We would like to urge all of us to do our part by joining the Council fight this pandemic. Let us make a resolve to do the right thing during this time when we are under the threat of contracting this life threatening virus. In so doing, we will together overcome this problem.
Fellow residents, in support of the measures outlined by our State President in his address to the nation, the Council would like to put emphasis on a number of hygienic steps the residents of the City have to take to protect themselves from contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.
Some of the immediate actions are as follows:
Owners of every building such as worshiping houses, shops, offices, should make a provision of water bucket and hand washing soap displayed at strategic places so that everyone can access to wash their hands before entering such buildings.
Similarly, such hand washing facilities should be provided by organizers for all public gatherings such as funerals, weddings among others.
All public transport operators and users should cooperate with law enforcement agents in observing the sitting capacities so that social space is adhered to at all times.
Furthermore, the Council is making a special appeal to those that are vending on the streets to seriously consider relocating to the designated markets where the Council and other stakeholders have intensified measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Let us avoid large gatherings as much as possible and recommended social distance must be observed at all times.
The Council is appealing to all individual and corporate partners within and outside the City to come forward with any support that will make these measures a success.
Blantyre City Council has declared a month long “Make Your Environment Coronavirus Free Campaign” to ensure that every resident is taking lead in abiding by the measures that have been put in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Council will intensify inspection of all business premises, offices, shops, all residential areas and other public premises to make sure that all these initiatives are being followed.
For those that will not comply, the Council shall use all available pieces of legislation to make sure that the set hygiene standards are complied with and residents are protected.
In conclusion, the Council would like to make an appeal to all residents to utilise the toll free line (526) for any inquiries. If there will be need for other measures to be implemented, further information will be provided.
This is the time for all residents of Blantyre City to join hands and protect the health of everyone. Zero Coronavirus cases can be possible if we unite in the implementation of preventive measures.