Pardon Manase
THE water challenges, which continue to stalk Harare, could expose the capital to yet another outbreak of cholera and typhoid.
Of late, most high density suburbs have had dry tapes, with authorities at Town House seemingly showing very little concern to the crisis.
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) director, Reuben Akili, says the water challenges in the capital remain a matter of great concern.
“In our view, the issue of the water crisis, which is happening when we are getting into the hot season which is characterised by water challenges and waterborne diseases, is worrisome,” said Akili.
Community Water Alliance director, Hardlife Mudzingwa, accused the city’s leaders of gambling with the lives of residents.
“Despite cholera cases in Harare, the priority has been on treating symptoms of the problem rather than addressing the root cause,” Mudzingwa said.
Harare Residents Trust (HRT) director, Precious Shumba, said the local authority had failed the residents.
“Primitive disease outbreaks will be with us for a long time as long as the attitude and level of service delivery remains as it is.
“We fear that the approaching rainy season will worsen the situation for residents,” Shumba said.
Rudo Chikodzore, the director for epidemiology and disease control in the Health and Child Care ministry, said they had a strategy to save lives.
“This has been successful in Harare province, as seen by a low case fatality rate of 0,4% for the metropolitan province despite a high number of cholera cases in the just-ended cholera outbreak,” she said.