By Sarah Munthali
District Council Officials from Mchinji in Malawi on Tuesday visited Chipata Council in Zambia to learn and share experiences with their Zambian counterparts on Covid-19 prevention.
Hot on the agenda was the issue of porous borders which poses a threat for both countries in relation to the pandemic.
The meeting, held at Chipata City Council, follows a Mchinji/Chipata multisectoral committee meeting held in Mchinji last week to discuss Covid-19.
In an interview with Malawi News agency (MANA) after the meeting, Mchinji District Commissioner (DC), Bester Mandere said the officials from the two countries discussed how best they could solve the issue of porous border.
“As neighbouring countries, we discussed how we can solve the issue of porous borders, many people cross the border without using the official border post at Mchinji/Mwami border.
“This could affect control and prevention measures the two countries have put in place such as screening,” he said.
Mandere said the two countries resolved to identify two other additional points along the Zambia/ Malawi border which will be manned by officials from the two countries so that people crossing the two countries should be screened,” he said.
Apart from opening more check points, delegates to the meeting suggested that more check points should be put between Lilongwe and Mchinji for Covid-19 Screening.
The District Commissioner also said the Malawi delegation was also impressed that Zambia has put in place measures on Covid-19 prevention such as mandatory wearing of masks in all public places.
“We were impressed that apart from encouraging the washing of hands, it is mandatory for people in buses, taxis and all shops to use disinfectants and wear masks to prevent the spread of the virus,” he said.
The Mchinji DC said he was pleased to note that the two countries have put other similar measures such as encouraging washing hands and restricted public gatherings.
“Our colleagues have closed bars, night clubs and casinos and we are contemplating to do the same in Mchinji,” he added.
Speaking earlier when he opened the meeting, Chipata City Mayor, Sinoya Mwale said the meeting was organised for the officials from the two countries to work together and find solutions to prevent the spread of the virus.
“We are meeting today to learn from each other. I wish to encourage members to share experiences and ideas on best practices on Covid-19 and learn what measures each country has put in place to prevent the spread,” he added.
The delegation from Malawi comprised officials from the district hospital, district council, Malawi Defence Force, police, Immigration and Malawi Revenue Authority, among others.
During the visit, the Malawi delegation toured Chipata District Hospital, Chipata market, and Chipata Shoprite.
