July 8, 2021
BY KAMAL M BARRIE (KENEMA)
Traders in Kenema District have raised serious concerns over the way Covid-19 third (3rd) Wave has crippled their businesses. They ae saying this situation might create problems in their micro credit businesses in the near future.
Traders further revealed that they have faced with a lot of inhuman treatment from the security forces, something they are not happy about.
“During the Ebola Scourge security forces humiliated us in Kenema and we thought because Kenema was an opposition Strong Zone. Now our SLPP party is in power we are facing the same hassles from the security forces and we think this situation is burdensome for us law abiding citizens, “ one trader preferring not to be named from Fisheries has lamented.
The traders are also calling on NaCSA to make some cash stimulus transfer to done on much fairer basis to help cushion the current constraints encountered in doing business under the current COVID 10 situation.
“Covid-19 regulations are very harsh for us business people and most of us take loans from financial institutions to be paid within a stated period. We have taken our Covid-19 vaccines leaving our businesses closed”, disclosed a palm oil seller.
In an exclusive interview with DICOVERC Coordinator Kenema District, Mr. Umaro Konovo, he said they are using a stakeholder’s arrangement to enforce the presidential proclamation. We are constantly engaging radio stations across the District to sensitise the masses especially to counter fake social media messages. “
He said within their stakeholders’ coordination framework, the people are complying in taking the vaccine, noting that every day, over seven hundred (700) people go for the jabs and it is encouraging.
He provided information about what is obtaining in the border crossing points where joint security of immigration and other security details have been deployed to check the movement of people in and out of the country. He also conceded that the regulations are affecting businesses but it is a sacrifice that has to be adhered to in containing the spread of the virus.
He used the opportunity to make clarification on salary issues of their unit saying some of those affected had issues with the bank accounts and other concerns that have been reported to NaCOVERC.
When asked if they will recruit additional workers to help the Social Mobilisation team he said he has not yet been informed about that and cannot say much on the question.
Speaking to Mr. Sylvester Sidie Kallon, the Deputy Director for the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone in the Eastern Region on alleged human rights violations by the security forces, he said they have not yet received formal complaint from the public but they always remind the security sector to know their limitations to mitigate human rights violations.
He said: “Presidential Proclamation is a constitutional mandate to respond to the new wave of the delta virus. Everybody has a role to play to help eradicate this deadly virus.”
Human Rights Commission is fully aware of the financial problems people may have gone through in their daily lives but life is very precious and must be preserved,” Mr. Kallon observed.
He further said the Human Rights Commission is fully monitoring the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic which many countries worldwide have taken extraordinary measures to protect the health and wellbeing of the people.
He however noted that whether in public emergency or not, these measures need to be based on the rule of law with specific reference to protecting human rights including freedom of movement, freedom of expression albeit freedom of peaceful assembly may be subject to restrictions for public health reasons.
In this context, he made mention of some abiding principles that must be met in terms of Legality, Necessity, Proportionality and Non – discrimination that the authorities should bear the burden of justifying those rights.
He further appealed to law enforcers to use force only when necessary and the Military should not conduct policing functions.
Speaking to the Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Traders Union Kenema District Mr. Alpha J.A Lamin in respect of the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic and the impending economic situation traders have been faced with.
He said traders in Kenema District have complied with the Covid-19 regulations including leaving their businesses to go and take their Vaccines.
“Traders are faced with a lot of financial embarrassment and pretty soon we are expected to be faced with Microcredit complaints with financial institutions, because traders are not doing their businesses as it used to be. We are appealing to the government and donors to please provide us with financial grants and other business support to cope with the prevailing situation.
He also encouraged Security forces to please enforce those regulations with a human rights lens as most of the traders are traumatized.