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Locadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent
Gweru residents have hailed Government’s decision to distribute home treatment aqua tablets in light of the prevailing situation on suspected typhoid which has claimed five lives.
This comes amid a declaration by the health minister, Dr David Parirenyatwa that all water in Gweru is not safe for drinking.
The residents said they rely on tap water and borehole water and both sources are said to be unsafe and they were left with no options.
Chairperson of the Gweru Residents Forum, Cornelius Selipiwe said the prevailing situation had left citizens more vulnerable to typhoid.
“Now that both municipal and borehole water has been declared unsafe, we need an immediate remedy because people cannot live without water. Even if our ailing council decides to send water bowsers, it is not a sustainable solution considering the areas affected so far,” he said.
Mr Selipiwe said a massive health education campaign is also needed in Mkoba as some people are still in denial that the borehole water has become unsafe.
Meanwhile, health Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa has refuted claims by the Gweru City Council that municipal water is safe in light of the prevailing typhoid situation.
“I am overwriting all statements made that tap water in Gweru is safe for human consumption. Tap water in the city is generally unsafe for consumption.
“The situation is very clear here, we have typhoid. We must check all water sources and act immediately thus establish the cause of the outbreak,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.
He urged members of the community to go for screening and seek treatment as well as to avoid self-medication as it is risky.
Dr Parirenyatwa added that council must coordinate with the Government and NGOs to conduct proper testing of water pipes and chemicals.
“I recommend to the city council to coordinate with funding partners and conduct adequate investigations and tests as we might have a possible chemical contamination in our water sources and pipes.”
Online Reporter