BY AMBROSE GAHENE
The Kampala Capital City Authority Covid-19 task force has okayed 76 arcades to reopen, after the said arcades adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This was after a meeting on the required SOPs, while 70 out of the 146 are to stay closed as further inspection continues on whether they meet the required standards or not.
The KCCA enforcement team also closed two arcades; Gaza Land and Corner arcades for denying access to the inspection team. Minister of Kampala Hajjati Minsa Kabanda,said the 70 that have not met the minimum requirements for reopening have been advised to put the required SOPs in place then invite the team for re-inspection.
The reopening was pegged on KCCA’s assessment of the suitability of the business premises with focus on Covid-19 Standard operating procedures as per Ministry of Health guidelines. The Public Health team at KCCA together with other agencies namely; Internal Security, Military Police, Uganda Police Force and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives were constituted into an inspection team to assess the suitability and compliance of the arcades based on a checklist that ensured adherence to Covid-19 SOPs and in conformity with Public Health and Physical.
The arcades had to have compliance officers Corridors, clear access ways, observance of proper hygiene and Sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation, dedicated entry and exit Registration of tenants, Installation of CCTV cameras Use of PPEs and sanitizers, social distancing and approved building plans before they are re-opened.
The inspection of arcades follows president Museveni’s address on July 30, when he partially lifted the Covid-19 lockdown which would see the reopening of arcades in the Kampala CBD with emphasis on Kikuubo and surrounding business areas, arcades and malls. Kabanda says they have noted with concern that some arcades have re-opened without fulfilling compliance requirements set out, “these are to be enforced without compromise. He said they are continuing the enforcement exercise and shall not hesitate to prosecute anyone continuing to put people’s lives in danger.
