adminTanaka Mahanya and Ashley Mujoma
HARARE schools without running water and functional toilets will be closed to prevent the spread of cholera.
This was revealed by the Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary, Tafadzwa Muguti.
He said toilets used by children and teachers must have running water and soap, and any school lacking these facilities will be shut down.
Muguti also called on bulk water suppliers to ensure their product was safe, and for food outlets to maintain clean and functional toilets with running water.
Harare had recorded 84 confirmed and 288 suspected cholera cases by last Friday.
“If there are any schools which do not have running water, or functional clean toilets, they will be closed until that has been rectified.
“If your shop, restaurant, office building or mall does not have functional toilets, our health department is going to shut down that building until you rectify those shortcomings.
“The police are going to bring to book those collecting and selling bulk from unsafe sources.
“Residents should buy bulk water from reputable suppliers.”
He added:
“We are also urging those who sell fruits and those buying to ensure that they are buying from clean places with running water.
“To the vendors, please may you ensure that where you are trading is close to safe running water and bins are always available.”
He said the cooking and selling of food at construction sites, bus stops and bus terminuses has to be stopped with immediate effect.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter