COVID-19: Lawmaker Tasks S’ East Govs On Rural Areas’ Sensitisation

A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Kingsley Chima (AA-Imo), has urged Governors in the South East zone to fast-track sensitisation of rural communities in the region to help in containing the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement at the weekend in Abuja, Chima said that efforts by governors in the zone would not be meaningful if the rural populace was not carried along.
The lawmaker, who represents Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru Federal Constituency of Imo, urged the governors to act before the virus spreads.
“Our priority on containing the dreaded virus can only be achievable and meaningful if sensitisation programmes are taken to the rural dwellers.
‘I feel so bad that in my interaction with some constituents, few days ago, they seemed to see the worldwide concerns over the novel Coronavirus pandemic as a farce.
“With global concerns over the rapid spread of the virus, self protection must start from the grassroots.
“We cannot wait until there is a huge outbreak before we act. Time to act is now,” he said.
Chima urged the governors to work in synergy,  considering the high travel business culture of people of the region to other parts of the country and worldwide.
He said it was far cheaper for states to prevent an outbreak which might become overwhelming than to try to treat or trace contacts.
The legislator gave glory to God that there had yet to be a record of the dreaded virus in the Southeast region but reiterated that the time for preventive action was now.
“South South zone has just announced collaborative programmes on containing the virus; we must do same in the South East.