Bright Zhou
Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) Masvingo District Chairperson Entrance Takadza has urged residents to be responsible if they are to prevent cholera outbreak in Masvingo Urban and the district at large.
Takaedza was addressing residents and journalists at a press club organized by the Zimbabwe Union of journalists (ZUJ) at Commercial Centre Building recently to discuss cholera related issues in town.
She said residents were supposed to practice basic hygiene like regular washing of hands with running water and soap to curb the spread.
“It is our duty as residents to it that we practice basic hygiene at our home like simple washing of hands with soap and running water.
She called on the responsible authorities to intervene and to stop the mushrooming of churches in open spaces mainly apostolic sects which operate without toilets and water saying they pose a greater risk of spreading cholera in case of an outbreak in the city.
“Some churches are located in the open spaces and we found out that church members use bush toilets during services because there are no toilets. We are raising awareness as an organization and some have heeded to our call and complied but some are failing to”, said Takaedza.
She also urged residents to use water treatment chemicals when using untreated water like aqua tablets, but in their absence residence can alternatively boil the water before drinking and can also use hand sanitisers to wash hands.
One resident Sungano Zvarebwanashe raised concerns over unlicensed and uninspected outlets which sell food in town at places which are not hygienic.
“After giving a license to someone to prepare food in town, how often would you visit the same premises to make sure that they adhere to what they are supposed to do? And if they are found wanting, what do you do,” said Zvarebwanashe
TellZim News editor Theresa Takafuma raised concerns of people who were using sanitary lanes in town for open defecation which is posing a great risk of spreading cholera.
Masvingo city deputy director of health and environmental services Sitabile Matava also emphasized the need for people to be responsible and avoid eating around in town and said as council they regularly do site visits and punish those who fail to abide by the set standards of operation.
“People should avoid eating everywhere, they should make sure they eat at licensed places and also consider if the place is clean. As council we are also putting gates in sanitary lanes to curb open defecation,” said Matava
Masvingo Provincial Information officer Rodgers Irimayi said journalists have a major role to play in raising awareness in preventing the spread of cholera through raising awareness.
