Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
In the heart of Mbare, a community grapples with a persistent menace: an infestation of bed bugs that has turned their homes into battlegrounds.
Despite ongoing fumigation efforts by the Harare City Council, residents report that the pests are more aggressive than ever, intensifying the urgency for more effective measures.
The bed bug outbreak in Mbare has not only remained confined to its own borders but has reportedly spread to neighbouring suburbs including Chitungwiza, Mabvuku, Kuwadzana and Budiriro.
Residents lament sleepless nights and relentless itching, as the tiny, bloodsucking insects have seemingly developed a resistance to the chemicals being deployed in the city’s fumigation programme.
As of yesterday, the council reported that 64 percent of the 5 450 targeted rooms had undergone fumigation in the first of three planned rounds.
Yet, during a visit to the Matererini Flats — identified as the epicentre of the bed bugs infestation — residents expressed their frustrations.
“We hoped the council’s fumigation would bring relief, but we were bitten even more severely the very night after fumigation,” lamented a resident who identified herself only as Mai Jayden.
In their desperation, residents have begun to suggest alternative methods.
Mai Jayden passionately suggested the use of Dichlorvos (Bloom), a chemical she claims produces immediate results.
“If you spray Dichlorvos, you immediately see changes and notice dead bedbugs. After the City Council’s fumigation, all I saw dying were cockroaches,” she noted, highlighting a growing sentiment that current fumigation efforts are proving inadequate.
Others, like Mr Tongai Mapira, have turned to traditional remedies, using paraffin and Actellic Gold Dust, commonly known as Chirinda Matura, an insecticide typically reserved for grain storage pests.
“We need to apply them regularly, but they are proving effective,” he revealed, reflecting the community’s resourcefulness in the face of adversity.
“It’s not ideal, but we have to do what we can to protect our homes.”
The struggle against bed bugs in Mbare is not solely about pest control; it is also intertwined with broader sanitation issues.
Overflowing sewage and uncollected garbage contribute to an environment conducive to infestations.
“If we keep criticising the council, they’ll just tell us to move out, and where would we go?” a resident questioned, underscoring the precariousness of their living situation.
The physical conditions of the flats—characterised by broken sewer pipes and damaged infrastructure—further complicate the residents’ plight.
“The sewage has been overflowing for eight years,” another resident complained.
“Once they address that, we can explore other ways to tackle the bed bug problem.”
This issue extends beyond mere discomfort; it has also led to social stigmatisation. Residents like Ms Mikiona Chapeza shared feelings of isolation, noting how relatives shy away from gatherings due to the bed bug crisis.
“Social media has amplified the outbreak, making it harder to seek support,” she bemoaned, adding: “They don’t want us at family functions since this problem has been around.”
Yet, amidst the challenges, a spirit of resilience prevails. Residents are banding together, sharing tips and strategies for combating the infestation while advocating for better living conditions.
“We have to work together as a community,” said another resident. “Our voices need to be heard.”
The situation in Mbare echoes challenges faced by urban areas in France, where a resurgence of bed bugs sparked national concern last year.
In cities like Paris, officials launched comprehensive campaigns that included not only fumigation but also public education on prevention. The French government emphasised community involvement, encouraging residents to maintain cleanliness and report infestations promptly.
France’s approach highlighted a multi-faceted strategy: in addition to chemical treatments, residents were educated on the importance of washing bedding in high temperatures and avoiding second-hand furniture without proper checks.
“In Paris, the focus is not just on spraying chemicals; it’s about changing behaviours,” remarked a French public health official at the time of the crisis.
By fostering a sense of collective responsibility, French authorities were able to mitigate the infestation more effectively. Bed bug infestations are a significant issue in France, with a considerable number of households affected.
Between 2017 and 2022, more than one in 10 French households reported bed bug infestations.
The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) noted that the cost of eradicating bed bugs for French households was 230 million euros during that period.
In light of the bed bugs challenge, the Harare City Council has activated its Incident Management System, appointing an incident manager and developing an Incident Action Plan.
The local authority has called for residents to report infestations and participate in community-led fumigation efforts.
Harare City Council says it is doing everything it can to combat the problem but pleaded for the community’s help.
While city officials acknowledge that bed bugs do not pose a direct health threat, they recognise the profound nuisance they present to communities.
“It’s difficult but not impossible to control them,” stated a spokesperson from the City’s Health Department. “We must conduct multiple fumigation rounds to ensure we break the life cycle of these pests.”
As Mbare residents continue to confront the bed bug crisis, their struggle underscores the urgent need for a coordinated response that addresses both pest control and sanitation.
Drawing lessons from France, they advocate for a comprehensive approach that not only targets the pests but also improves living conditions.
“The situation is dire but we are not powerless,” said Mai Jayden.
“We will keep fighting for our homes and our dignity.”
The call to action is clear: effective pest management requires not just immediate solutions but long-term community engagement and infrastructural improvements.
As residents unite in their fight against bed bugs, they remain hopeful that with the right support, they can reclaim their homes and restore their dignity.
