Tafadzwa Nyikadzino

The Government has put strict measures to monitor church gatherings this Easter Holiday to manage the spread of Cholera in the country.  The new measures will require churches to get clearance and supervision from health officials prior to their gatherings.

Churches have also been banned from gathering in places without solar boreholes, bush pumps and sanitation facilities. Addressing journalists at a Post Cabinet Briefing recently,  the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere said government has directed the Ministry of Health to intensify efforts to monitor gatherings.

“In light of the impending Easter Holidays, Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health and Child Care to intensify monitoring and supervision of all gatherings in order to minimise the spread of cholera,”.

“Cabinet further directed that, going forward, no church gatherings must take place until church leaders install solar powered boreholes or bush pump boreholes as well as sanitation facilities.

“All gatherings must obtain prior clearance and should be supervised by health authorities. Cabinet noted with concern that some churches continue to gather in places without safe water or sanitation facilities,” Dr Muswere said.

He said known hotspots are being targeted with community awareness programmes, together with  the deployment of oral rehydration points and establishment of cholera treatment camps.

The Easter Holiday sees Christians across all denominations  gathering in their numbers to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most churches hold vigils to honor this day. People also use the holiday to hold family gatherings and occasions.

This year’s holiday comes at a time where Zimbabwe is battling to control the spread of cholera. Sofar the country has recorded  29 144  and 300 deaths to date according to the Ministry of Health.