adminHeather Charema and Blessings Chidakwa
Chinhoyi Municipality has closed about 10 unregistered food outlets as authorities move to prevent the spread of cholera in Mashonaland West’s provincial capital. Council launched a blitz against illegal food vendors last Wednesday, following reports of a cholera outbreak, which claimed five people in Chegutu early this month. Government has so far attended to 54 suspected cholera cases, with three cases having been confirmed.
Council spokesperson Mr Tichaona Mlauzi said last week that the municipality was targeting unregistered food vending outlets. “As far as mitigating the cholera aspect is concerned, as Chinhoyi Municipality we are targeting all illegal food vending outlets to curb the spread of the disease.”
He said the municipality had so far closed 10 unregistered food outlets. “We are closing illegal vending sites and so far we have closed 10 illegal food vending shops that were operating outside the parameters of the council,” he said.
Mr Mlauzi urged all food outlets to register with the municipality.
“These should have their employees go for medicals and due processes should be followed,” he said.
Council, Mr Mlauzi said, had no plans for food vendors as they operate illegally.
He urged residents and travellers passing through Chinhoyi to avoid buying food from unregistered food outlets.
Council, he said, had launched a campaign to educate residents on the spread of cholera.
“Right now we are educating our communities by use of flyers while our health promoters are going to the people and educating them on how to mitigate cholera effects.”
He urged residents to wash their hands before eating food.
Online Reporter