MERA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Collins Magalasi told Zodiak online that fuel transporters are exposed to the virus as they often travel to Tanzania to Mozambique hence the move to protect them from the pandemic.

“MERA is making these donations because the COVID19 is within the environment that we operate in, as a regulator for liquid fuels and gas but also electricity are affected as well by the pandemic.

“We have got a lot of travel that happens. We send our drivers to Tanzania, Mozambique and they are exposed to the pandemic,” said Magalasi.

He said much as there is economic restriction it is imperative for the regulatory body to ensure that there sufficient fuel in the country.

“It is only when we have taken our part and supported our fuel tanker drivers that we will be able to prevent the spread of the virus and so it will help in making sure that there is fuel in the country.

“Secondly these drivers and all of us even our staff at the moment that when they have a problem as far as Covid-19 is concerned they require the health system hence our decision to donate to District Health Offices so that they are able to treat they are able prevent the occurrences coming from the pandemic," explained Dr. Magalasi.

He said MERA has specifically taken a slight higher investment into the health workers because some health workers have contracted which challenges the fight against the pandemic.

International Haulage Brokers IHB General Manager Chrispin Mussa says such items are critical in saving the lives of fuel transporters whose lives are at risk of the pandemic.

“We really appreciate this gesture. The protective equipment we have received, will go a mile in protecting our drivers as they cross the borders,” said Mussa.

As of Monday, Malawi had 547 confirmed cases with 6 deaths