The Ministry of Transport and Communication has written to the Secretary to the cabinet recommending the suspension of International flights from landing at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe and Mfuwe International Airports from Friday 27th March, 2020 until further notice.
The Ministry has also recommended for the suspension of Cross Boarder Public Passenger Services saying all Buses carrying cross boarder passengers across all international routes be suspended from 27th March 2020 until further notice.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Cabinet, Ministry of Transport and Communication Permanent Secretary Misheck Lungu has further recommended that all local public passenger buses and taxis reduce the number of passengers on all inter-city and intra-city routes by Friday this week in view of COVID-19.
Mr Lungu recommended that all local public passenger buses and Taxis reduce the number of passengers and load a maximum of 60 percent of its capacity on all intra City routes with effect from 27th March 2020.
He says the transportation of cross border cargo should be suspended with an exception of essential commodities such as food, fuel and health related products from 27th March 2020.
Mr Lungu said in a letter that all Passenger railway services by TAZARA and Zambia Railways be suspended from 27th March 2020 until further notice while all trucks plying in Zambian roads should park in designated parking areas.
He said no trucks will be allowed to park along the roads in Cities and Towns.
Mr Lungu further recommended that Government instructs Inter and Intra City Bus Operators to disinfect cabins after offloading passengers adding that Bus Operators need to provide hand sanitizers to all passengers before loading.
He said all water vessels used for transportation of passengers should reduce the loading capacity to 60 percent of maximum carrying capacity.
Kukopela…USA is chocking right now thank God the government has enough money to help the boost the economy and Americans impacted..$2 trillion…..what about Zambia and PF bandits….all tax payers money is stolen and wasted so you cant afford to shut down the airlines or the entire country….ungulinganya amapuli kulaponwesha
That’s how Presidents work not kukopelakola like Kambwili and hh…
Recommendation received. We will review and get back to you all. Kz
Honourable Minister that’s very important move. Can respective ministries define on how they will take care of pipo marketeers, street kids and small tutemba when we lock down Zambia. This is coming and the earlier we begin necessary engagements the better.
Lock down is coming. The major concerns should be Zambia/Zimbabwe/Congo borders because these depend solely on Zambia. Let’s ignore these and Zambia should emphasize that no foreigners would be allowed entry into the country beyond 27/03/2020. Let’s deal with what we ve for now.
Last appeal is can the president start talking to us because the silence choice he is chosen is extremely wrong and does not fit the leader of a nation-Zambia. He should be talking with us regularly under this situation
This closing issue is worrying.Surely ,can this come when we want to open KKIA ?
We have a partnership contract DRC and Zambia as well as the Sadc countries as a trade exchange why will the fuels circulate and not the reagents and minerals?