The Sunday News
Nonsikelelo Ndlovu , Sunday News reporter
RESIDENTS of Luveve in Bulawayo have expressed concern over volumes of people who are thronging Chigumira Braai and Bar Centre, adding there is high risk of Covid-19 cases spreading in the area.
Sunday News has observed that the centre has become a hive of activity especially during weekends with hundreds of people mingling, some not observing guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This is despite the ban of bars and night clubs under lockdown regulations, as well as social gatherings.
Residents staying around the area told Sunday News they now fear that the large number of people gathering every weekend at the area could result in the spread of Covid-19.
“Cases are still going up and lots of people are sick and hospitals are full. So, it is important for people to take necessary health precautions such as avoiding crowded areas, gatherings and adhere to the preventive measures such as masking up and sanitising. However, we see many people here, drinking and some not even wearing masks,” said Mr Khulani Moyo.
Another resident who identified herself as MaMoyo said there are no sanitising points at the place.
“Every weekend there will be a lot of people at Chigumira and there are no sanitising points, they just come and go so we fear that at the end of the day those are the people who are spreading Covid-19 to other residents,” she said.
Bulawayo Director of Health Services Dr Edwin Sibanda said complacency among residents is driven by a lack of individual awareness.
“Complacency will fuel more contaminations and right now there are many individuals locally who have not been tested and along these lines keep on spreading the infection. Coronavirus is real, I am apprehensive we have arrived at a phase where there is inescapable mass disease locally,” he said.
Dr Sibanda said council will liaise with police officers to ensure that people adhere to guidelines. Ironically Chigumira Business Centre is less than 500 metres away from Luveve Police Station..
“We discourage any and every gathering, all are potential spreaders of Covid-19 and we urge people to observe the protocols as pronounced, from time to time by the authorities. If we all minimise travel and wash our hands, we can reduce transmission,” he said.
Last week police in Bulawayo said they had arrested over 300 people for patronising shebeens and other drinking places, adding that they will continue to raid such premises with owners facing arrest as well.
