Staff Reporter
In a significant move to address the escalating cholera pandemic in the country, the Government has launched a series of comprehensive measures.
These actions, aimed at preventing the spread of the disease, are especially focused on urban areas, known to be more susceptible due to their dense populations.
The initiative's details were shared by Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube on the sidelines of today’s Midlands State University graduation ceremony in Gweru.
“We have stepped in to make sure that urban councils are offering clean water and collecting refuse at regular intervals. Government is making inroads to capacitate urban council clinics to make sure they are prepared to combat the spread of the pandemic,” Minister Ncube stated.
Minister Ncube emphasised the importance of community involvement in this fight against cholera.
“Urban areas are the most affected because of their dense population. Our primary focus would be to provide a clean and safe environment. We are calling upon progressive residence associations and tertiary institutions to engage the community through massive education awareness campaigns,” he added.
The Minister also highlighted the collective nature of this battle against cholera.
"The fight against cholera should be a collective action, not only the responsibility of the Government. “We successfully fought COVID-19; cholera cannot beat us!” he expressed it with confidence.
Amidst these efforts, Gweru City Council Mayor Martin Chivoko clarified the situation at Mkoba Teachers College, which had been rumoured to be affected by the outbreak.
Speaking at the same event, he clarified, “There was no cholera outbreak at Mkoba Teachers College; it was just a diarrhoea outbreak because the college was mixing borehole water and council water.”
Mayor Chivoko assured that the situation was under control and no cholera cases were confirmed.
“The situation is under control; all the students tested negative for cholera. We encourage residents to continue upholding cleanliness in our city to ensure a safe environment,” he said.
The Mayor also informed that the City's health department had activated council clinics, preparing them to quickly respond to any signs of a cholera outbreak in residential areas.
Meanwhile, these combined efforts by the Government and local councils underscore a proactive approach to handling the cholera pandemic. Through enhanced infrastructure, community education, and vigilant healthcare services, the country is better equipped to manage and eventually overcome this health crisis.
