Angelah Nothando Mlotshwa
Environment and Health Reporter
The government has set aside US$24 million to fight the cholera outbreak that is currently affecting the country and neighboring countries.
This was established through the 6th cabinet briefing.
However, for Bulawayo residents, due to water problems, fighting against cholera will be nearly impossible as some people are using unclean, untreated water from imithombo”
ZIM GBC NEWS engaged with the Bulawayo Metropolitan Provincial Medical Director Siamuchembu who explained the difficulties of trying to stop the spread of cholera whilst experiencing water shortages.
“It is very difficult, nearly impossible to fight cholera without clean water. Cholera is a sign of water, hygiene and sanitation failure. We are to treat the dirty water we have for consumption either by using chemicals like aquatabs, or by boiling it. Cholera can spread the whole province in a matter of weeks. It can spread very fast”, he said.
On a different meeting Bulawayo Minister of State and Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Judith Ncube also bemoaned the situation being experienced by Bulawayo residents.
“These days lingakhangela kulegodi leli nxa uhamba ngo Khami road emarobhothini aweMagwegwe . Kulapho abakhakhona amanzi ubafica belayinile bephakathi besikha amanzi…it’s a health hazard. Mhlawumbe bayabe besiyawatsha but abanye uzezwa bethi siyanatha waphi siwathatha ngaphi?” said Min. Ncube.
“People are fetching water from a pit near Magwegwe robots. It’s a health hazard. The water is clean maybe for washing but you will hear some of them saying we drink from here where will we get clean water from”
Coupled with this water crisis, the Local Authority is failing dismally to decongest the Bulawayo Central Business District (CBD) which has been engulfed with illegal vendors. There is also the issue of unregistered passenger commuter vehicles who have established pick up points at every corner of the city.
The population swell in the CBD comes at the backdrop of few or non availability of public toilets.
The public releaves itself in sanitary service lanes, on trees and every available corner. This possess a serious health hazard which will assist spread cholera.
We hereby publish the section of the cabinet briefing on cholera below:
“Cabinet considered the Report on the National Cholera Response as at
28th March 2023, which was presented by the Honorable Vice President and Minister of Heath and Child Care, Gen. Chiwenga Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that cholera outbreaks on the African continent are occurring in the context of cyclones, foods, conflicts, poor sanitation and unreliable water supplies.”
“Cross-border mobility also plays a part in the spread of cholera and other diseases. So far, thirteen (13) African countries have reported cholera outbreaks.
South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe recently reported cholera outbreaks in 2023. Despite the cases reported in Zimbabwe, the case fatality rate is still low.”
“Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cholera cases stood at 231, with 209 recoveries and 2 deaths. Out of the country’s ten provinces, only Matabeleland North and Midlands have so far not reported any cholera cases. Cabinet wishes to assure the nation that the cholera situation is under control.”
“Active screening at ports of entry and exit has been initiated,
and surveillance activities are ongoing.”
“Cabinet approved a total budget of US$24 168 353 for the cholera epidemic preparedness and response plan. Several partners including the World Heath Organisation, the Centre for Disease Control, UNICEF, Medicines sans
Frontiers and Higher Life Foundation have pledged to support part of the budget.”
“Cabinet is informing the Public that Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution and their teams have been urged to continue to support activities to fight the cholera outbreak. Community and political leaders are also expected to end maximum support to the ant-cholera programme through awareness activities.”
The country has witnessed a number of cholera cases with suspected cases in 10 provinces numbering 267, while 209 recoveries and two deaths were recorded.