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Locadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent
Gweru City Council says it is on high alert for outbreaks of diarrhoeal diseases such as cholera and typhoid in the wake of a looming water crisis, as the main supplier dam, Gwenhoro, is now left with only six weeks’ supply.
Speaking at a community leaders’ sensitisation meeting at Town House, Gweru Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe said while the city was faced with a looming crisis due to erratic water supplies, the health department was on high alert for any disease outbreaks.
“Our main supply dam, Gwenhoro, is now left with six weeks’ water supply,” he said.
“We continue to ration the supplies, but as council we are running around to switch to the alternative dam, Amapongobwe, in the next few weeks.
“I would like to assure you that our health department is on high alert for any diarrhoeal diseases that may be caused by lack of water.
“We encourage you to promote household and environmental hygiene in your communities.”
Cllr Makombe expressed gratitude for the financial support that the local authority had received to augment the purchasing of water pumps.
“Government has responded promptly to our situation by availing our devolution grant to the tune of $400 000, while the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) has poured in more funds,” he said.
“That will enable us to purchase one water pump this week.”
Gweru City Health Director Mr Sam Sekenhamo encouraged community leaders to promote basic hygiene through hand washing.
“All food passes through the hands, so it is safe to promote good hygiene from our residents,” he said.
“It is critical that you encourage hand washing in your communities, be it churches or any public gatherings. We understand that water supplies are currently limited, but let us promote hygiene to prevent ourselvs and our city from disease oubreaks.”
Community leaders expressed concern over the state of Kudzanayi market which they described as a haven for disease outbreaks.
Online Reporter