The Zambian Roads and Highway Safety Group (ZRHSG) is urging the Zambian government to stop discriminating against the deaf in our society and allow the deaf to start driving.

The Zambian Roads and Highway Safety Group has not found any reason that could stop a deaf person from safely and professionally driving a motor vehicle of their choice or any class.

The Group has also not found any research that shows that deaf drivers have been the leading cause of road traffic accidents in countries that allow the deaf to drive, like in the European Union countries, in the United States of America, United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe among others.

In fact, research shows that deaf drivers are among the cautious and law-abiding motorists on the road because of their sensitivity to what is happening around them, including the reading of all road signs and checking their mirrors all the time.

Research has also shown that non-deaf drivers are easily distracted by the noise around them including listening to music, talking on the phone, honking, and other noises on our roads.

Research has also shown that most road signs and flashing lights are designed not to be heard but to be seen and as such the deaf should have been the first persons to be licensed to drive because of their easy understanding of road signage on our roads.

Not giving the deaf their chance to drive actually hinders the deaf from doing business like other citizens and denies them their freedom of movement without depending on others.

Zambia is among a few countries that still discriminate among the deaf in so far as driving on our roads is concerned.

Let the deaf drive.

President Edgar Lungu has directed that Examination classes in both Primary and secondary Schools should reopen on 1st June 2020 on condition that schools enforce all public health guidelines, regulations and certification.

The President has also directed the Ministry of Health and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit to ensure that face masks, hand washing soaps and sanitizers are prioritized to all schools and health centers for distribution and use starting with those in examination classes.

He has further directed the Ministers of General and Higher Education to engage and consult various other stakeholders on the possibility and modalities of reopening non examination classes, colleges and Universities in the near future.

In his fourth address to the nation on the coronavirus pandemic, President Lungu said as much as all classes of learners are important for children, government must cautiously and strategically manage the reopening of schools in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

And President Lungu said in keeping up with the new normal brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, he has seen it inevitable for restaurants to revert to their normal operations on conditions that they adhere to all public health guidelines regulations and certification.

He has directed the reopening of cinemas, gyms and casinos while adhering to the prescribed public health guidelines regulations and certification.

The President appealed to Hotels, Lodges, Tour Operators, Internet Cafes and event Management Companies that voluntarily closed as a result of the pandemic to consider getting back to normal operations.

He acknowledged that the pandemic and the public health measures government has implemented to address the coronavirus pandemic have impacted negatively on the economy and if the status quo remains, the economy will plunge into the worst crisis Zambia has ever experienced.

Meanwhile, President Lungu has announced that Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 14 new cases of the coronavirus pandemic from the 683 tests conducted.

He said these comprise six truck drivers tested in Chirundu, two health care workers in Lusaka and Kabwe respectively, one contact to a positive case, one from routine screening at Ndola Central Hospital, three patients from health facility screening and one Tanzanian screened in Chililabombwe.

President Edgar Lungu has announced the relaxation of some measures that were announced two months ago that were aimed at stopping the spread of Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 14 new Covid-19 cases bringing the cumulative total to 167.

In his national address, President Lungu announced the reopening of Gyms and Cinemas saying it is time Zambians learnt to live with the new normal.

And President Lungu has also reopened restaurants and casinos whilst ordering that pupils in examination classes should return to school.

He said the reopened businesses have a responsibility to enhance hygene facilities at their premises.

Meanwhile, the Head of State has directed the reopening of primary and secondary schools by June 1, 2020 but ensure that all hygiene standards are in place to ensure safety of students in the context of the “new normal”.

On the new cases, President Lungu said they include six truck drivers and two health workers.

Below is the full Speech to the Nation

 

Fellow countrymen and women;

1. I would like to start my address today by thanking you, the people of Zambia for the understanding, resilience and support my administration has received since I announced the first measures aimed at protecting our lives from the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. I know and fully understand that it has not been easy to live our lives in a way that is drastically different from what we have been used to, but the grace of God has seen us thus far! I know that many of you, especially in the informal sector, have had your businesses suffer greatly. I know that our children have had their educational progression hindered as a result of the closure of schools, colleges and universities.

3. I know that many lives have changed in various ways as a result of the measures we have taken during this COVID-19 pandemic. This situation is not our own making. Our decisions as government have been inevitable and premised on our duty to save lives.

4. As we respond to COVID-19, my government is striking a delicate balance between saving lives and restoring the economy.

5. As you may be aware, the COVID-19 pandemic and its evolution has compelled governments, the world-over, to implement drastic measures to fight the disease, and Zambia is no exception.

Countrymen and women,

6. I am aware of the global pattern and devastating impact of the disease on the economic and social spheres.

7. Globally, close to four million positive cases of COVID-19 have now been recorded. Out of these, more than one million have recovered, while almost two hundred and seventy thousand have died.

Countrymen and women,

8. In the last 24 hours, Zambia has recorded 14 positive cases out of 683 tests. They comprise six truck drivers tested in Chirundu, two healthcare workers in Lusaka and Kabwe, one contact to a positive case, one from routine screening at ndola central hospital,

And three patients from health facility screening, and one Tanzanian lorry mate screened in Chililabombwe.

Countrymen and women,

9. The trend analysis in general terms, over a period of close to two months since Zambia recorded its first case of COVID-19, has revealed the following:

1. 1. 1. 167 have tested positive to COVID-19 out of 11,352 tested, representing 1.5 percent of those tested;

      2. Of the 167 positive cases recorded and quarantined, 109 have since fully recovered, discharged and have happily rejoined their families. This is a remarkable achievement.

1. 1. 3. On a sad note, Zambia has experienced four deaths related to COVID-19. However, medical reports of the three of these recorded deaths, showed they had serious underlying health conditions.

Countrymen and women,

10. From this trend analysis, we note that the number of infections recorded after testing in communities has remained generally low.

11. We further note that the health status of the patients that are positive and under treatment for COVID-19, is generally stable.

12. It is equally observed that the number of recoveries has consistently remained high among our people.

13. From this trend analysis, it can be generally said that this pandemic, in the case of Zambia, is relatively different from what other nations are experiencing, where their infection and death rates have been much higher.

14. However, these nations that have been hardest hit by the pandemic are still struggling, but, unlike us, they have began to open up their socio-economic environment in the context of the “new normal – living with COVID-19”.

15. The “new normal” means living with COVID-19 just like we have lived with other diseases such as, malaria, hiv and aids, and tuberculosis, provided we adhere to the prescribed health guidelines, regulations and certification for COVID-19.

Countrymen and women,

16. In embracing “the new normal-living with COVID-19”, let us continue to vigorously fight this disease and not become complacent.

17. The complexity of COVID-19 really calls for our Zambian scientists to get to work and answer the many questions surrounding coronavirus.

Their findings will help government to make informed decisions. Let us not entirely depend on other country’s findings.

Countrymen and women,

18. Globally, you are all aware that, the pandemic has negatively affected all sectors of the world economy, which include: aviation; tourism; social security; as well as the labour market. Zambia is indeed no exception and we believe that the negative socio-economic impact being experienced the world-over.

19. At country level, I am fully aware that the pandemic, as well as, the measures we have taken as a government, in our quest to save lives, have had a negative impact on the Socio-Economic environment.

20. As a result, we have experienced reduced revenue, thereby, impacting negatively on the financing of national programmes. If the status quo remains, rest assured that the economy will plunge into the worst crisis our country has ever experienced. However, we must be mindful of the need to steadily progress into living in the “new normal” for the sake of our health and the health of our economy.

21. This calls for us to review the measures with a view to cautiously and strategically begin to ease so that the various sectors of our economy can start operating within the context of the “new normal”.

Countrymen and women,

22. I have seen it inevitable for restaurants to revert to their normal operations, on condition of adhering to the prescribed public health guidelines, regulations and certification.

23. I further direct the reopening of cinemas, gymnasiums, and casinos in line with “the new normal”, while adhering to the prescribed public health guidelines, regulations and certification.

24. As you are all aware, many businesses such as, hotels, lodges, tour operators, internet cafes, as well as, event management companies, were voluntarily closed as a result of the COVID-19, so as to protect themselves, their employees, as well as their clients.

25. I, therefore, wish to appeal to the proprietors to consider the possibility of getting back to normal operations while observing public health guidelines, regulations and certification.

26. Remember, all adjustments are subject to public health guidelines, regulations and certification such as wearing face masks; observing social distancing; hand washing and sanitising; and ensuring high levels of hygiene.

These measures will be for a period of seven to fourteen days and may be reviewed any time as the pandemic evolves.

Countrymen and women,

27. In my previous address, I announced the creation of a COVID-19 economic recovery fund and directed the ministry of finance and other relevant ministries to consolidate resources to be disbursed to small and medium businesses, women groups, the youth and the most vulnerable that have been the hardest hit.

28. So far, I am aware that the modalities of disbusrement of the ten billion Kwacha under the bank of Zambia have not been adequately communicated to the would be beneficiaries, such as schools, gymnasiums, nightclub owners, cinemas, restaurants, and bars. I am, therefore, directing the ministry of finance to ensure that the modalities are urgently communicated and the collateral demanded from the intended beneficiaries are realistic.

Countrymen and women,

29. I am aware that if schools, colleges and universities remain closed, we shall have an education crisis as their calendars would be terribly affected.

Already our children are way behind since the schools were closed and that is an education crisis in the making.

30. I am worried about our children who are tired and bored of staying at home all day, and we are seeing instances of juvenile delinquency increasing in some cases. I am further concerned that if the schools remained closed, there is a likelihood of an increase in the moral decay of our children and the youth as a result of them having more free time. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop, goes the old saying.

31. As much as all classes are important for the education of our children, we must cautiously and strategically manage the reopening of the schools in light of COVID-19. It is for this reason that in the context of the ‘new normal’, I am directing that the first classes to reopen will be primary and secondary school examination classes on first june, 2020 on condition that schools enforce all public health guidelines, regulations and certification as stated earlier.

32. I further direct the ministry of health and the disaster management and mitigation unit to ensure that face masks, hand washing soaps and sanitisers are prioritised and provided to all schools and health centres for distribution and use by our children, starting with those in examination classes.

33. In addition, I direct the ministers of general education, and higher education to engage and consult various stakeholders on the possibility and modalities of reopening non-examination classes, colleges and universities in the near future.

Countrymen and women,

34. I must remind everyone that the battle against COVID-19 is still with us and not yet won. As we fight COVID-19, my government will ensure resilience and balance in our health systems and continued provision of all healthcare services to our citizens.

35. I want to assure you that as we fight COVID-19, we will continue to invest in maternal, child health, nutrition, the fight against hiv/aids, tuberculosis, other communicable and non-communicable diseases.

36. As head of state, I will keep observing the situation as it unfolds and provide necessary guidance.

37. This pandemic provides an opportunity to start our socio and economic recovery trajectory towards making it more resilient as we live with the “new normal” and strengthen the provisions of essential services for our people.

38. For the most vulnerable communities, I urge the relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential goods and services through the provision of relief, both food and non-food items.

39. Meanwhile, I wish to reiterate the measures that I have consistently stated to the nation, of ensuring social distancing, washing of hands, and hand sanitising, wearing of face masks, and generally maintaining high levels of hygiene.

40. Let us remember to be our brothers and sisters keepers in ensuring we make this “new normal” easier to live with. Let us avoid unnecessary movements to curb the spread of the disease.

41. In conclusion, let me start by thanking all front line workers who are indeed our heroes and heroines in this fight against COVID-19. In this regard, I reiterate my earlier directive to the minister of health to ensure necessary occupational health and safety measures are strengthened to protect our healthcare workers from acquiring COVID-19 and other infections in healthcare settings.

42. Let me thank all cooperating partners and civil society organisations, who have generously donated and supported my government in the fight against the deadly coronavirus disease. Let me also thank the private sector, individuals and the media who have joined in supporting the people of Zambia in the fight against COVID-19.

43. Let me take this opportunity to urge provincial ministers to continue providing leadership and oversight in coordinating multisectoral stakeholders in their respective jurisdictions and ensure enforcement of the COVID-19 public health measures as stipulated in statutory instruments number 21 and 22 of 2020, as well as the additional directives I announced during my last national address.

44. I further direct the ministry of health to work closely with the ministries of commerce, trade and industry; transport and communications; local government;

And home affairs to ensure adherence to the already provided for interventions to prevent transmission of COVID-19 while allowing economic activity, and movement of essential goods and services as well as continuation of trade and industry.

45. Our present situation also presents an opportunity for more citizens to become self-reliant and venture into non-traditional, but lucrative sectors of our economy such as agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and ict industries, among others. These are unusual times and they call for collective innovative and unprecedented approaches.

My government will, therefore, ensure that we strike a delicate strategic balance between the health of our citizens and promoting economic activity. Together, we can defeat COVID-19 and return to normalcy.

46. I wish to emphasise that the ‘new normal’ is here, the ‘new normal’ means living with COVID-19 while observing public health guidelines and regulations. And the ‘new normal’ means social distancing, always wearing face masks in public places, washing of hands regularly and sanitising.

47. Above all, let us continue to seek the face of God, particularly during this time of COVID-19.

May the almighty God bless you all.

I thank you.

Leader of the Opposition Patriots for Economic Progress Sean Tembo says he noted the confession that was made by the Minister of Finance Dr Bwalya Ng’andu that the K10 billion COVID-19 economic stimulus package has received very low uptake as it has not been warmly embraced by potential beneficiaries.

Mr Tembo says this has not come as a surprise because his Party advised the Minister against such a model for an economic stimulus package, but the Minister of Finance in his infinite wisdom decided to proceed with the current model, against all advice and logic.

He says any model for a sustainable COVID-19 economic stimulus package must address three critical issues namely the mode of delivery, targeting of specific sectors of the economy and qualifying criteria for intended beneficiaries.

Mr Tembo says the current COVID-19 economic stimulus package has failed because it did not properly address the three issues above.

He said the commercial banking system is not an appropriate delivery mode for a sustainable COVID-19 economic relief package, for several reasons among them commercial banks generally have to charge interest rates which reflect the credit risk of each individual customer.

“Given the generally poor trading conditions in the economy, almost each and every business’s credit risk has risen significantly and therefore, commercial banks will require to charge even higher interest rates to reflect the increased credit risk of potential beneficiaries of the COVID-19 economic relief package. This is likely to be unaffordable to most intended beneficiaries”, he said.

Mr Tembo added that commercial banks generally require collateral for the loans that they issue out however, most of the Zambian businesses that have been adversely affected by COVID-19 social-distancing guidelines may not have property that can be used as collateral by the bank.

He said this automatically eliminates a lot of potential beneficiaries from being covered by such an economic relief package.

He added that any sustainable COVID-19 economic relief package cannot apply to the general economy but has to be targeted to specific sectors of the economy, which have been significantly affected by COVID-19.

Mr Tembo said whereas some sectors such as private education, hospitality, passenger transport and entertainment have been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, certain sectors such as mobile network operators, internet service providers, pharmaceuticals among others are enjoying a huge surge in business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said it is therefore senseless for Government to seek to implement a COVID-19 economic relief package which applies equally across the board to businesses that have been positively impacted as well as those that have been adversely affected, without any form of targeting.

He said a sustainable COVID-19 economic stimulus package must not utilize the stringent qualifying criteria that are applied by commercial banks to potential lenders, but must formulate its own unique qualifying criteria that can be used to select potential beneficiaries.

Mr Tembo said such qualifying criteria must be less stringent and must take into consideration the fact that the primary objective of the economic relief package is to assist businesses and individuals that are in economic distress.

He said the COVID-19 economic relief package should achieve just that; economic relief and it should not be a source of additional economic burden on the targeted beneficiaries.

Mr Tembo has advised the Minister of Finance to consider withdrawing the current K10 billion COVID-19 economic relief package that is being implemented by the Bank of Zambia through commercial banks to allow for consultations with key stakeholders in tailoring a fresh COVID-19 economic relief package that will have the right mode of delivery, will be targeted to specific sectors of the economy and will have a qualifying criteria that is less burdensome to intended beneficiaries.

He said in terms of the mode of delivery, the Minister should consider utilizing institutions such as the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission and the Development Bank of Zambia saying it is a pointless endeavor for Government through BOZ to extend cheap financing amounting to K10 billion to commercial banks, who will then charge any interest rates of their choice to their customers, thereby allowing them to make supernormal profits at the expense of taxpayers.

Mr Tembo added that in order to cure a disease, the medicine should be applied on the patient and not on bystanders.