BUUMBA CHIMBULU writes
THIS years’ 94th Agriculture and Commercial Show has been cancelled due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, making it the third time the society has failed to hold the event since history.
This year’s show was slated for 29th July to 3rd August under the theme: “Innovation Through Technology.”
Hosting the event would jeopardise several multi-sectoral measures put in place by Government to fight Covid-19, says Agricultural and Commercial Society of Zambia (ACSZ) president, Cosmas Michelo.
Mr Michello explained that cancellation of the event was a difficult task but was inevitable to protect the exhibitors, stakeholders and the general public.
He regretted that 2020 would go down in history along with 1941 to 1944 as the only years when the show was not held.
“The show normally takes at least six months but consequently, we have already lost three months but so far this year.
“The introduction of myriad public health measures have adversely affected our routine preparations and ultimately making it impractical to host Zambia’s most prestigious event,” he said yesterday in Lusaka at a press briefing.
Mr Michelo said that the cancellation of the event would negatively affect the society’s cashflow as they would make a loss.
He also said the society Secretariat would remained operational and proceed with planning arrangements for 2021 event.
The society, he said, consider holding mini-shows for specific sectors when the situation became favourable.
“We call upon our long standing and new exhibitors, stakeholders, sponsors and others to remain supportive during this unprecedented global pandemic.
“We look forward to the successful hosting of the 2021 event scheduled to take place from the 28th July to 2nd August 2021 under the theme,” Mr Michelo said.
