Tafadzwa Nyikadzino

The cholera outbreak which has hit the country is being caused by poor water supply and sanitation according to government, with Harare and Manicaland Provinces being the most affected areas by the epidemic.

Addressing Journalists at a post cabinet briefing, the Minister of Health and Child Care, Douglas Mombeshora said the country has faced 5 338  cases of cholera, with Harare and Manicaland Provinces contributing the highest number of cases.

“As at 21st October 2023, Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cholera cases were 5338 and 5090 recoveries. Manicaland Province and Harare Province contributed the highest number of cholera cases in Zimbabwe, having reported 2 524 and 1 654 cumulative cholera cases respectively by 21^st October, 2023.

“Cabinet advises that poor sanitation and low safe water coverage had driven the cholera outbreak, especially in the Harare Metropolitan Province.  Twelve boreholes were drilled in Buhera through a borehole drilling project under the Ministry of Health and Child Care,” said Mombeshora.

He said government has responded by monitoring gatherings in affected areas to ensure that there is adequate water and sanitation. The cholera outbreak comes at a time where water shortages are rife in Harare as the local authority is failing to provide safe water to residents.

Harare City Council is also failing to conduct timely refuse collection which has seen a lot of residents living in littered neighbourhoods. This continues to expose people to cholera.