Back to Index

This article participates on the following special index pages:

Cholera outbreaks: Residents cannot continue to suffer
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
September 12, 2008

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) continues to receive disturbing reports of Cholera and Diarrhea related illnesses and deaths from different parts in and around the city of Harare. The Association has received 13 cases of Cholera induced deaths from Chitungwiza while a total of 14 cases of diarrhea have been recorded in Harare. The cholera outbreak in Chitungwiza has also claimed the life of a physics teacher, who was practicing at a local High school in Harare. Harare and Chitungwiza have been hard hit by cholera and diarrhea outbreaks following the deep water and sewer crisis that has gripped the two cities. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), the institution managing the water supply and sewer reticulation for the two cities has failed to provide enough and clean water. ZINWA is reported to be failing to procure enough water treatment chemicals needed to purify water before it is pumped into homes. This has led to the suspicion that ZINWA is pumping untreated or partially treated water to residents. The water crisis has also seen most of the suburbs that include Warren Park, Glen Lorne, Glen Norah, Glen View, Budiriro, Mt Pleasant, Hatfield, Highlands, Borrowdale, Mabvuku, Tafara, Masasa Park, Letombo Park, Dzivarasekwa, Zengeza and Seke going for weeks or even months without water.

The Residents and community health experts have attributed the cholera and diarrhea outbreaks to the shortage of water, unclean water supplied to homes as well as the raw sewer flowing from burst sewer pipes. The situation of the victims of the cholera and diarrhea outbreaks has been worsened by the fact that the local clinics have no medication to give them. The residents of Harare, Chitungwiza, the relatives and friends of all the victims of the cholera and diarrhea outbreaks hold the previous cabinet and ZINWA responsible for these cholera related deaths and illnesses. CHRA has on numerous times warned the 'Government' of a looming health disaster as a result of ZINWA's incompetence. The Association demands a public apology from the 'Minister' of water resources and infrastructural development and ZINWA. CHRA is also urging the relatives and friends of the cholera and diarrhea victims to come forward and look into possibilities of mounting a law suit against the Minister, his Deputy and ZINWA officials both as individuals and as institutions. Meanwhile CHRA demands that water supply as well as sewer reticulation must return back to the respective city councils as a matter of urgency. Whilst that remains as the only permanent solution to the current water crisis and the cholera or diarrhea outbreaks CHRA advises the residents to take the following precautionary measures;

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap after using the toilet and before you take any food.
• Boil tap water or water from any other source and allow it to cool before drinking.
• Detergents like Jik liquid and chlorine are helpful in killing germs and bacteria in water. Pour a scoop in drinking water and in toilets.
• It is advisable to keep water in clean containers that can be safely sealed so that the water can be used in the event of shortages. This is a better alternative than using unprotected water sources.
• Food must be thoroughly cooked before eating and the cooking area must be clean.
• Fruits bought from the street must be washed in clean water before eating.

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP