Property mogul Sudhir Ruparelia has advised the business community and the country as a whole to learn to move on in these turbulent times since the global pandemic could be here to stay just like other pandemics.
Sudhir was among a few Kampala landlords who met the Trade Minister Ameria Kyambadde over weekend to forge away forward on how to reopen city arcades but observe the Ministry of Health guidelines.
“I think what we all have to understand is that COVID is here to stay. It is something that has come up and the world is learning to live with it. We need to learn how to deal with it,” Sudhir said.
Sudhir said that it is therefore imperative that tenants, government and landlords work together to find a common ground on how to stay safe but at the same time manage the businesses.
“It is a new world and and we are learning. Things will change and get back to normal. We need to follow the guidelines and SOPS,” said Sudhir.
GUIDELINES
The meeting agreed that before opening the arcades, the following should be considered;
To decongest the arcades by; educing the number of occupants ,3 occupants per shop, but ensure social distance of 2 meters between the shop attendants within the shop premises.
Removing people trading in the corridors, stair cases, doors and temporary structure (make shift shops).
Demarcate and mark points where the buyers will stand while being attended to and to serve one customer at ago.
Increase the number of guards on the entry and exit points to manager; tempt guns, washing areas and sanitazing gates, compound, floor and doors.
No hawkers and food vendors shall be allowed in to arcades.
Tenants and customers shall regularly sanitize end wear face masks.
People carrying luggage and use arcade as passage ways to cross from one street to another are prohibited.
Landlords shall allow tenants to start trading as they discuss on case by case basis how to stager the rent arrears.
In attandance were; Kirumira Godfrey, Hajj Kiggundu Hamis (represented those who were absent), Dr. Sudhir Rupaleria, Ntaganda Ephraim, Ssemambo Rashid and Dr. Margret Ssekidde