Ticking time bomb: Waterfalls Retreat shopping ce...

Ticking time bomb: Waterfalls Retreat shopping center on brink of Cholera outbreak

Runodada Witness

Zim Now Reporter

A potential health disaster is looming in the Waterfalls Retreat shopping center, where residents are warning of a cholera outbreak as the rainy season gains momentum. The area's poor sanitation, unplanned construction, and lack of proper waste management have created a hazardous environment, ripe for the spread of waterborne diseases.

At the heart of the problem is the absence of adequate toilet facilities for the numerous tuckshops that dominate the area. This has led to indiscriminate urination and defecation in open spaces, further contaminating the already polluted environment. The ground is littered with used diapers, papers, and other waste, while large potholes collect stagnant water, providing a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Melord Mugariro, a resident of Waterfalls Retreat, expressed concerns about the chaotic development in the area. "These shops were built without any planning. If you have money, you can pay these hungry land barons and set up a tuckshop," she said. The lack of proper documentation and accountability for shared stands has worsened the situation, with many structures being erected without regard for health and safety regulations.

The overcrowding of tuckshops and the absence of a coordinated waste management system exacerbate the risk of cholera, especially during the rainy season. Stagnant water combined with waste creates a fertile environment for the spread of the bacteria responsible for the disease.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, residents are sounding the alarm, calling on authorities to take immediate action to address the crisis. "We're sitting on a ticking time bomb," said Mugariro. "If something is not done urgently, we'll be facing a major health disaster."

The Harare City Council and relevant authorities must take swift action to address the sanitation crisis in Waterfalls Retreat. The lives of thousands of residents are at risk, and it's imperative that immediate measures are taken to prevent a cholera outbreak.