Greater Harare to close unlicensed food sellers as...

Greater Harare to close unlicensed food sellers as cholera case spike

Zim Now Writer

Harare Metropolitan Provincial and Devolution Permanent Secretary Mr Tafadzwa Muguti has announced that the province is implementing prevention measures including the closure of all unlicensed and unclean food outlets in the four local authorities of Greater Harare.

The local authorities are Harare City Council, Chitungwiza Municipality, Epworth Local Board and Ruwa Local Board.

This was announced as Harare province has reported 307 cases of cholera in various suburbs, ranging from overcrowded Mbare to leafy Mount Pleasant.

The metropolitan province now has around 300 cases, the second-highest number after Manicaland.

Other provinces that have reported cases include Matabeleland South, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, and Masvingo.

Muguti said during this outbreak all local authorities should stop all unlicensed shops and unclean food outlets from operating in open spaces.

All shops, restaurants and food outlets should have clean toilets with running water.

The Harare Metropolitan authorities have also called on schools and office buildings to ensure that toilets have running water and soap.

The area is facing two major problems related to water and sanitation.

The proliferation of unplanned and illegal settlements without sewers and piped water, and the run-down state of Harare City Council’s water purification plants, which operate at only half their capacity

The council is attempting to rectify these issues by closing down contaminated wells and distributing non-food items to prevent the spread of disease.

The government has activated civil protection units, provided supplies, and offered refresher training for health workers.

Health experts are providing water samples, aqua tabs, and disinfection, and raising cholera awareness.