Zimbabwean News You Can Trust
Government has launched the Wash Sector program to curb the spread of cholera, promote hygiene, and provide safe water in some of Zimbabwe’s most populated cities, like Harare and other hot-spot districts.
Addressing journalists in Harare today, the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, said the government has decided to chip in after realizing the Harare city council and other local authorities had failed to urgently address the outbreak of Cholera.
“The Harare city council has the mandate to ensure residents acquire safe water, but unfortunately they have failed. As the government, we have joined hands through our ministries to ensure that people have access to clean water and there won’t be further infections,” said Muswere.
The Minister of Health and Child Care, Douglas Mombeshora, who is also part of the government’s Wash Sector, said the government is working with NGO’s to mitigate the spread of cholera.
“Government recognizes support from UNOCHA and UNICEF of US$1m, which will support hot-spot districts in Manicaland, Masvingo and Masvingo and Mat South. This funding will address immediate cholera response and El Nino anticipatory planning efforts in water supply, hygiene promotion and supplies to prevent further cholera outbreaks,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture, Land Water Fisheries and Rural Settlements, Dr. Anxious Masuka, said the government is speeding up the completion of Gwayi Shangaan and Kunzvi dam, so that Harare and Bulawayo will be water secure this year.
He said, “Government in 2024 is prioritizing the Gwayi-Shangaan dam and pipeline for Bulawayo, Kunzvi dam and Muchekeramwa pipeline for Harare to ensure the metropolitan towns become water secure.”
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe has recorded 19 649 suspected cholera cases, 2 261 confirmed cases and 18 899 recoveries as of January 21, this year. The ministry also said 359 people are suspected to have succumbed from the disease, while 71 are confirmed to have died.