20 May 2020

Two members of a Presidential Task Force Team on COVID-19,  Professor Mosepele Mosepele and Dr Malaki Tshipayagae paid a visit to Kazungula Ferry Border and Kasane Primary Hospital testing centre earlier today. 

The duo were also briefed on the challenges faced by the district in fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the team was also aprised on a new test for COVID-19; PCR test that has turn-around time of six hours. 

It was also an opportune time for the members to find out about the district’s preparedness in the fight against COVID-19 with regard to truck drivers.

At Kazungula Ferry border, DHMT coordinator, Dr Botshelo Kgwaadira informed the team that the district had identified another holding space for truck drivers in Pandamatenga.

He said though the new holding space could accommodate 40 trucks, the challenge was lack of services such as ablutions and potable water. 

Dr Kgwaadira also stated that it was difficult to control truck drivers 'because they get impatient very quickly due to the slow pace of the process to allow them entry.'

Dr Kgwaadira also stated that  Zambia, where most truck drivers came through, was  compliant with the COVID-19 protocols adding that screening was done at entry and exit points. 

Dr Malaki, who is also the Director of Health Services, advised that trucks drivers must be told to avoid routes outside their journeys. Ends