By Jenneh Braima
Chairman and founder of the African Youth Coalition against Hunger, AYCAH, Peter Amara has told Politico that “a pending economic crisis will be grave if Ebola is not eradicated in the country.”
He said what the government was doing now it should have done long done to tackle the outbreak of the deadly haemorrhagic fever, adding that the economy of the country was being deprived of revenue generation through taxes and market dues.
“Some of those are not forthcoming because of the restriction of movement in the eastern towns of Segbwema and Kenema whose business people used to come with their wares to Freetown,” he said.
The youth leader also said government should always take the lead to lobby the international community including the Food and Agricultural Organisation, World Health Organisation and other donors to help provide food and support to the country.
“This is near crisis situation with Ebola. It is not a one-man or party business. I call on government to increase the risk allowances for nurses across the country, especially those in the epicentres,” he urged.
Amara said he would only support the government to do the house-to-house checking if they provided food for the people, even if for a 21-day period, as well as support for those who would be doing the job.
He drew government’s attention to the “rapid hike in prices of basic commodities in the market”.
Government spokesman, Abdulai Bayraytay, agreed that the 60 to 90 days of a lockdown being implemented in Kenema and Kailahun districts was already having huge adverse effects on the economy of the country. He said it had already led to a serious drop in revenue collection in the region of 30% with tourism also badly affected.
(C) Politico 14/08/14
