‘STOP ABUSING POWER’

Sir,

It is very disappointing to see our government not being effectively supportive to people’s well-being in these ‘unprecedented times’. It appears that the measure to prevent the coronavirus spread has been imposed without a clear strategy, lack of proper planning and with no clear guidelines at all to the public. It seems like we are imitating other countries rather than with a mission and concern for the nation and its respective residents.

 This is not a war against people.
I urge the police service to kindly conduct policing with consent and diplomacy. Italy is the most affected country but we have not heard of bad police conduct and unnecessary disruptions of business operations. Why are the Eswatini police beating people and disrupting churches?

Would it not be wise to carefully study how developed countries have implemented their lockdowns and social distancing? Despite unprecedented circumstances and escalating death rates, government officials in these countries prioritised the well-being of residents. Babukete kucala kutsi sive sitawuphila njani kulesimo.

Socio-groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, vulnerable children, labour market, the unemployed and self-employed people plus many others were taken into consideration first. Closing down businesses/shops and imposing social distancing through a queue system without temporarily extending store opening hours doesn’t make sense. This is worse in towns which lack toilet facilities or taps for people to refill water bottles and quench their thirst while waiting in a queue.

queue

The queue system is a good idea for developed countries because of the provision for online shopping as well the availability of multiple chain stores  in every city. So how on earth do you expect people from rural areas such as Dlangeni, for example, to queue for shopping kube kunebhasi yinye per day to and from town. Have all these factors been taken into consideration?

It is government’s responsibility to provide everything needed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and encourage people to follow necessary precautions, while allowing businesses to operate normally. Was time taken to examine how other countries have introduced the smooth operation of social distancing to achieve compliance from people. 

Kute lolwa nalomunye, everything is being done smoothly. These countries have introduced voluntary services for people to help with shopping on behalf of those who are not able to reach town/shops during operating hours. Also, some good Samaritans even provide free food to those that cannot afford. Look at how Tanzania is caring for her people. Furthermore, governments in some countries have offered a bail out to large and small businesses and their employees. Again I ask, does the contingency plan of the Eswatini Government include these kind deeds for the nation.

Elderly

I watched a video showing a large group of people including elderly woman in South Africa waiting in a long queue outside a supermarket. Lusizi; please provide free bottles of water, masks and gloves to people queuing to be served either in shops or banks. We are such a small  country, so I am sure this is affordable. 

Additionally, prior to imposing the lockdown had it been considered to improve the housing infrastructure and provide a conducive healthy living environment. For instance, what benefit and value does it bring to impose a lockdown and social distancing when places such as emangwane are abandoned and left filthy.

Our lockdown was not strategically planned at all.  We urge that this is looked into again and unlock the country. Allow people to get back to their normal business and provide health and safety material. The country will die of hunger not COVID-19.

Faith Simelane

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