Talent Gore
HEALTH and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, has ordered the removal of all illegal vendors from the streets of Harare in an effort to curb the spread of cholera.
He has raised concerns that some vegetable growers were using raw sewage water to irrigate their crops, which were later sold to vendors around the city, potentially contaminating the food chain.
Harare City Council recently declared a state of emergency due to the cholera outbreak, with over 8 000 suspected cases, 51 confirmed deaths and 152 suspected deaths recorded across the country.
Speaking during a donation of cholera management kits by CIMAS Medical Aid in Kuwadzana on Sunday, Dr Mombeshora said they had tasked the council with removing illegal street vendors in the capital.
“We have also asked the council to clear all illegal fields and gardens being irrigated using raw sewage water.
“There are vegetables being sold and we understand some of them are finding their way into Mbare Musika. These include lettuce, cucumbers and muboora (pumpkin leaves), among others,” said Dr Momeshora.
As of yesterday, 55 new suspected cholera cases, and one suspected death were recorded, with Harare accounting for 16 and Chitungwiza (12).