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Kariba Bureau
The Kariba District Covid-19 task-force has suspended trading at the Kariba Farmers Market until measures to control crowding have been put in place.

Farmers are flocking to Kariba with their produce, attracting large numbers of customers, thereby flouting social distancing requirements.

The task-force visited Jumbo Farmers Market on Wednesday and ordered the market to be closed until a perimeter fence has been erected. Residents were flocking to the market to get pumpkins and sweet potatoes, among others, which have become a cheaper alternative to bread.

Task-force member Mr Godfrey Magijani said putting up a perimeter fence would last about four days. Beginning today, all business has been suspended to control the number of people. Kariba Municipality is expected to come up with a roster of farmers so that not all farmers take their produce on the same day.

The measures come when trading had been reduced to three times per week on alternate days. Chairperson of the task-force Mr Witness Kufa said the situation at the market needed intervention to limit chances of spreading diseases.

“From our assessment, things are not really up to scratch as far as prevention is concerned. The market is overwhelmed and we came as the task-force to monitor and assess if the measures put in place are being followed,” he said. Farmers from areas such as Nyamakate and Makande in Hurungwe district, are taking the produce to Kariba after reduced activity in Chirundu where they previously sold to Zambian customers.