Online Reporter
Talent Gore and Arron Nyamayaro
The City of Harare has confirmed an outbreak of bedbugs (tsikidzi) in the high-density suburb of Mbare, prompting authorities to launch an emergency pest control response starting today.
Harare City’s Corporate Communications Manage Stanley Gama said the pest control teams have already been deployed to assess the extent of the infestation and mobilise necessary resources.
He urged residents to fully cooperate with the exercise.
“We have confirmed the existence of a bedbug (tsikidzi) infestation in Mbare, and the City of Harare will immediately take action through a comprehensive approach of spraying the areas affected,” Gama said in a statement.
“The spraying operation will begin at Mbare’s Matererini and Matapi Flats, some of the oldest and most overcrowded residential blocks in the city.”
Gama said overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate waste management are key contributors to the resurgence of the pests.
“Residents in the areas mentioned should prepare and cooperate with our teams starting early morning,” he added.
“In addition to chemical spraying, the city will carry out public awareness campaigns focusing on the causes and prevention of bedbug infestations in densely populated communities.”
Gama emphasised the importance of community involvement for effective results.
“Spraying alone will not solve this problem, bed bugs hide in small crevices on beds, sofas, wardrobes, walls, etc, thus regular physical cleaning is required where chemicals can’t reach,” he said.
The city is calling for volunteers from the community to assist pest control teams for wider coverage and better results. More information will be shared as the operation unfolds.
Meanwhile, councillor Simbarashe Chanachimwe said the Ministry of Health has provided resources for the spraying of all Mbare houses.
“We met officials from the Ministry of Health, City of Harare and other stakeholders today (yesterday) with a view to address the situation,” said Cllr Chanachimwe.
“A number of families have been experiencing sleepless nights and some have scars due to these bedbugs.
“The problem started some time in 2020 and some families tried to address it by burning their furniture and blankets but it never stopped.
“We have agreed to spray the whole of Mbare houses, flats and business areas.
“We are urging Mbare families to open their doors for health officials to spray their homes tomorrow (today).
“Our efforts will not achieve desired results if some homes are not sprayed,” he said.
A number of residents were quick to blame the stocking of second hand clothing bales.
“We are suspecting these second hand clothing bales being kept in Mbare homes and flats.
“The spraying cannot fully put the bedbugs to an end if nothing is done about second hand clothing bales.
“Some furniture and uncollected garbage are also contributing to the constant breeding of the bedbugs.”
