Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Matthew Samuda, has sought to address concerns about ENDS and the congestion at quick-service outlets spurred on by the latest set of lockdowns.
Since the seven-day lockdown period came into effect on August 22, the E-commerce National Delivery Solution, (ENDS) has been in full operations catering mostly to businesses registered on the platform. However, with the spike in COVID-19 cases, there have been concerns regarding congestion at majority of the quick service locations.
Speaking Tuesday, August 24, during the last of the first three days of lockdown the Minister says ENDS has been providing useful and compliant options across select parishes. Minister Samuda points that most of the restaurants have a high compliance rate. However, he noted that food supply companies located close to vaccination sites had a longer wait due to the support and traffic within those areas.
Another concern raised, since the inception of the e-commerce service, is small businesses not being able to make an income. Minister Samuda notes that the ends programme is accessible to all stakeholders. The Minister says the encourages all persons to register and adds that the Municipality an the transport Authority will then give these small business owners their approval.
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