KETRA KALUNGA writes
THE government has so far produced about 210 200 reusable face masks for school pupils in examination classes out of the total target of 4 million since the commencement of production on May 21, 2020.
The face masks are being produced at the Zambia China MulungushiTextiles on a Joint Ventures with Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility in central province.
Provincial minister, Sydney Mushanga who inspected the production on Thursday said the two facilities were equal to the task as evidenced by the progress made so.
Mr Mushanga said Mulungushi textiles had so far produced 210, 200 faces masks out of the targeted number of 2.5 million with a target of about 6 000 per day.
While Mukukobeko maximum correctional facility has produced 10 200 as of Thursday with a total target of one million face masks before schools open on June 1, 2020.
“As you may know, I am from the tour to see how prepared we are and I can safely say we are ready, progress has been seen since the beginning of production,” said Mr Mushanga.
The minister said since the outbreak of the coronavirus, President Edgar Lungu’s administration had been committed to preventing its spread as evidenced by the production of face masks for the school pupils.
He said the Head of State was determined to ensure the lives of people in the country especially the pupils were protected.
“The President and his administration since the outbreak of the coronavirus has been committed and is equal to the task in preventing the lives of Zambians especially school pupils,” said Mr Mushanga.
And Zambia Correctional Service senior assistant commissioner who is acting director for correctional industries, Moses Chipokolo assured the minister that the service was equal to the task and would meet the one million target.
Mr Chipokolo said the inmates and other tailors trained from the community had been working round the clock to meet the target.
“We are equal to the task and will meet the target of one million before schools open because we are working through out, “he said.
