The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has appealed to the government to urgently consider extending trading hours from 7 am to 5 pm.
Under the current COVID 19 pandemic induced level four national lockdown regulations, businesses are allowed to operate between 8 am and 3:30 pm.
The president of the confederation, Denford Mutashu said giving companies more time of operation would assuage the negative impact Covid-19 has had on businesses.
“CZR is kindly appealing for an extension of operating hours from the current 8 am to 1530 hours, to 7 am to 5 pm. This humble request will go a long way in alleviating the grave impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on business and the increased customer and vehicular congestion as working hours are coinciding with shop closing times”
Mutashu said the retailers were however appreciative of the continued extension of the level four lockdown measures.
“The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers wishes to thank the government for extending the Covid 19 level four national lockdown restrictions, with some welcome changes effected as we collectively continue the resilient fight against the pandemic,” said Mutashu.
The government last week on Tuesday announced a further two-week extension to the lockdown. The country has been witnessing a drop in Covid 19 infections and, private sector players, including travel and tourism players, hope to capitalise on the surge in business activities and spending characterised by the festive period.
Zimbabwe on Monday, August 30, 2021, recorded 70 new Covid 19 cases and 11 deaths, according to figures from the health ministry.