Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, has been advised to review the lockdown in the State because of the coronavirus pandemic, by adopting proactive measures to reach the most vulnerable in the society.
A watchdog group, Imo Awareness Coalition, IAC while reviewing the lockdown, also called on the state government to weigh the possibility of re- opening some major markets in the State capital, Owerri, within a period of time, to enable the citizenry re- stock food.
In its short report made available to this newspaper and endorsed by it’s spokesman, Fidelis Echendu, which assessed the lockdown in the State, the group said the lockdown was “timely and unavoidable at a time the threat of the pandemic hitting the State was almost imminent”
“Within a week of the lockdown, which has been complied with substantially, there is need for fresh measures to take care of the vulnerable are put in place.
“We suggest some markets be re- opened temporarily to enable residents re-stock foodstuff. We suggest Fridays from 10am- 12pm under strict surveillance and enforcement by security agencies.
“This will be an alternative in the absence of palliatives for citizens of the state.
The IAC commended the State Government for fumigating the state capital, which it said “underscores its seriousness to contain the virus from getting to the State.
“With fumigation and decontamination of the streets and major roads in Owerri as a way of reducing the spread of the pandemic, the State government has shown enormous commitment to prevent the virus from getting to the State. This is salutary but there is need to take care of the vulnerable who are worst hit by the lockdown” the report stated.
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