Zambia (Lusaka): Anything to do with cholera is an issue of hygiene, which is key to the informal sector, and therefore, the business community should take the lead in adhering to all hygiene standards, Zambia National Marketeers Credit Association (ZANAMACA) president Mupila Kameya has said.
Kameya said that hygiene standards in most Lusaka markets were not impressive, and this was why traders should be more considerate and open-minded about cleanliness to avoid disruptions to their business.
He said that the cholera outbreak had limited trade, which he said would, in turn, slow down the growth of the informal sector, hence the need for all players in the informal sector to play a role in stopping the spread of cholera.
“Cholera is an issue that the country has been facing for some time now, and for the marketers, it is crucial that they take centre stage in keeping their trading areas clean and not disposing of waste anyhow. Cholera is not an issue that could be addressed by the Government alone, but by all Zambians, and for the traders, they should take the lead as they would be the most affected if the trade is forced to be limited,” Kameya said.
Kameya said that it was important to hold each other accountable and encourage one another to ensure cleanliness regardless of the type of business they were involved in.
He empathized with the importance of collective efforts in combating the outbreak, adding that ensuring unity in the fight against cholera means ensuring a healthier nation while safeguarding the growth of the business community.
Kameya said that investing in the preparedness and response to cholera required close collaboration across various sectors.
Kameya further affirmed commitment towards working with the Government and other cooperating partners in the fight against cholera, adding that the cholera pandemic affected most of the vulnerable citizens and that this was why the Association had scaled up sensitization messages in markets to curb all practices undermining the fight.