Online Reporter
Mirirai Nsingo
RESIDENTS of Mbare’s Matererini and Matapi Flats are facing another outbreak of bedbugs, which are commonly known as ‘tsikidzi’.
The residents told H-Metro they are having sleepless nights, enduring painful bites and there is growing frustration over what they say is slow response from authorities.
The infestation, which residents say is spreading rapidly from room to room, has invaded bedding, clothing and furniture in the densely populated apartment blocks.
“We are no longer sleeping. Every night we wake up scratching,” said one resident, adding that some families have been forced to discard mattresses in desperate attempts to contain the pests.
Another resident said the situation has worsened in recent weeks, raising fears that the insects could spread beyond the flats, if not urgently contained.
“We now live in constant discomfort and anxiety, our kids are now living in fear, we cannot even afford to stay in our homes anymore,” he said.
Residents accuse the Harare City Council of failing to act swiftly and are calling for immediate fumigation of the affected buildings.
“Council came to fumigate last year but right now the situation has become worse, mushonga yavo inenge yekunyepa nekuti izvezvi zvatova worse,” said Mai Simba.
The Harare City Council had not yet responded to the residents’ concerns at the time of publication.
Mathew Masinge