BVTA Press Statement on the disbursement of the Cushioning Fund
21 October 2020 As Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA), we acknowledge and welcome the development that has been done by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. Members yesterday confirmed receipt of RTGS $600, as part of the government promised cushioning fund. The amount was disbursed through the One Money Mobile Wallet transfer on NetOne Sim cards that they were given in July, 2020. However, we feel that the money is too little considering the challenges that informal traders have faced during COVID-19 induced lockdown. BVTA is concerned that vendors and informal traders were greatly affected by the lockdown, some lost their capital during the first phase of the lockdown, if the cushioning fund was a reasonable amount, it was going to enable them to restock their wares. Schools are opening soon, traders have to pay school fees and look after families at the same time and we think the disbursed money will not enable them to cover their needs. We call for the government to urgently review this figure so that it can make an impact in the affected lives of vendors and informal traders. Contact details: Fourth floor, Suite 406, Fidelity Life Building Fife street and 11th Avenue Email:bulawayovendors@gmail.com Facebook: Bulawayo Vendors Trust/ Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association Twitter: @bvtatrust Website: www.bvtatrust.org Phone: +263 713 635 908
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