Chimoio: A “symbolic” gesture against Covid-19

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Chimoio: A “symbolic” gesture against Covid-19

12:45 CAT | 30 Apr 2020

Photo: DW

The Covid-19 pandemic took everyone by surprise. With the increasing cost of fighting the disease, several Chimoio employees have decided to donate half their salaries. “If there is no budget, do we just keep our fingers crossed? No!”

Eight councillors, two advisers and the Mayor of Chimoio, João Ferreira, have announced that they will donate half their salaries to the fight against Covid-19.

Altogether, the 11 employees will contribute about half a million meticais (almost €7,000) over three months, which will be used to buy hygiene products, including gloves, masks and sprayers.

João Ferreira explains that there are “shortages everywhere”, even of products such as chlorine and bleach.

City budget alleviated

The Chimoio mayor says the voluntary action was agreed to in a Municipal Council session.

Piedade Nogueira, councillor for the Economic Activities area, says it will help lighten the city’s budget a little, and “support the acquisition of goods or products to help prevent the coronavirus pandemic”.

Covid-19 took everyone by surprise and extra money is needed, Councillor Calton Vicente says.

“There is no pre-determined budget for coping with coronavirus, as you know. If there is no budget, do we just cross our fingers? No! We have to do something,” he exclaims.

Symbolic gesture

Analyst Faizal Castigo says that the gesture is praiseworthy, despite being mainly symbolic.

“Although it is a small amount, it looms large as a symbol, because it makes it clear that, at the end of the day, the city council is committed to the well-being of the citizens.”

Other municipalities should follow suit, he suggests.

The city of Chimoio has just over 300,000 inhabitants, half of them in a vulnerable situation and in need of support.

Source: Deutsche Welle