Compliance with Covid-19 regulations has since increased the cost of doing business for many companies in Zimbabwe at a time when the country’s ailing economy is almost on its knees.
Since President Emmerson Mnangagwa put Zimbabwe under national lockdown on March 30 to curb the spread of the pandemic which has infected over 7, 000 and claimed more than 200 lives, the way of doing business by companies has also changed.
As part of measures to curtail the spread of coronavirus, corporates are required to conduct temperature checks and sanitise all customers who visit their premises.
While some companies have migrated to working from home, others have resorted to disinfecting their premises regularly both coming at costs.
For example, FBC Holdings Limited, is disinfecting its offices countrywide every week.
In their Covid-19 pandemic response strategy and measures published recently together with the group’s financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2020, FBC board chairman, Herbert Nkala, said they had instituted a number of health and safety measures to protect employees, customers and the community they serve.
“All office premises are being disinfected on a weekly basis and where there is a reported positive case immediate evacuation of staff, disinfection and PCR testing are instituted promptly,” explained Nkala.
“Further strengthening of these measures is underway by considering the acquisition of automatic sanitization/spray booths and foot baths for entrances. Social distancing, sanitization of persons, disinfection of offices, wearing of masks and other hygiene protocols have been put in place as a matter of policy. In addition, staff in offices that regularly interface with outsiders or customers have been provided with face shields over and above masks.”
Building materials supplier, Turnall Holdings Limited, in its financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2020, also said compliance with Covid-19 compliance measures increased the cost of doing business for the group.
“The Group implemented the appropriate regulatory measures and guidelines to ensure the business operates in a safe environment for its customers, staff and stakeholders,” said the group.
“Management set up a Covid-19 taskforce and operating procedures to ensure that safety protocols are adhered to. The measures increased the cost of business through acquisition of personal protective clothing, sanitisers and private hire transport for staff.”
