Bed bugs, stray cats terrorise Kwekwe

Zim Now Writer

The City of Kwekwe has raised alarm over the menace of bed bugs and stray cats that have outnumbered the human population owing to conducive breeding grounds at homesteads.

The stray cats devour residents’ chickens and increase the city’s vulnerability to a number of diseases.

In a statement, Ward 8 Councilor, Edu Makomborero Mlambo said that the cats need to be controlled before they sprout into disease manufacturers and cause havoc.

Residents have also called on council to get the bed bugs infestation situation under control.

"If you look at almost every household in Amaveni, there are wild cats which are causing havoc in the community. They have become so many that they even outnumber the people living in the community. I am not sure if something can be done before they cause damage.

“People are also pleading for intervention regarding bedbugs. At one time they were sprayed and the situation was contained but it seems they have returned. I plead with our Department of Health, if they can assist us on that,” Councillor Mlambo said.

Kwekwe Acting Assistant Director of Health, Sheunesu Ngwenya said that his department will look into it and intervene to alleviate the problems faced by the city.

“As for bedbugs, we have received multiple reports and I assure you that our department is on the ground and we are moving in to spray the affected areas. As for cats, I will have to make relevant enquiries before taking the relevant action. We will also consult the Veterinary Services department on the matter so that we see how best we can deal with the matter,” he said.

Ward 13 Councillor, Aphonse Mugwagwa noted that the cats have to be dealt with, with a call to engage the parks department to help address the issue.

“I think if we engage the parks department so that they can help address the situation. I have seen some using traps and I think we can do the same and dump them far from households,” he suggested.

Ngwenya said his department will intervene.

His Ward 13 counterpart, Alphonse Mugwagwa echoed the sentiments and suggested that the cats be gotten rid of.

"I think if we engage the parks department so that they can help address the situation. I have seen some using traps and I think we can do the same and dump them far from households," he added.