Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-03-05 03:00:00
Residents in several suburbs of Harare, including Budiriro, Mbare, and Greendale, are facing a new wave of concern as water testing results have revealed Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination in some boreholes. The circulation of these results on social media has heightened anxiety among residents who are already dealing with the national cholera outbreak.
E. coli is a type of bacteria that typically resides in the intestines of humans and animals. Its presence in boreholes indicates that fecal matter from humans or animals has entered the water supply, likely due to improper sanitation practices such as inadequate sewage treatment or the use of contaminated water for irrigation.
In response to this alarming discovery, residents have voiced their worries and have taken precautionary measures such as boiling water before use and seeking out clean water sources. They have also reached out to local authorities and engineers for assistance in addressing the contamination issue.
Mr. Paul Tungwarara, the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme Director, has advised residents to follow proper drilling procedures to prevent contamination. He emphasized the importance of consulting with local authorities and ZINWA before drilling boreholes, chlorifying contaminated boreholes to kill bacteria, and ensuring that boreholes are properly sited to avoid sewer pipes.
Zimbabwe has been grappling with a nationwide cholera outbreak, with nearly 27,000 suspected cases recorded to date. This has led to an ongoing national vaccination campaign to curb the spread of the disease.
As the situation in Harare suburbs remains precarious, residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from cholera. By following proper sanitation practices and heeding the advice of experts, the community can work together to mitigate the spread of waterborne diseases.
Despite the challenges posed by the contaminated boreholes and the ongoing cholera outbreak, residents are hopeful that swift action will be taken by the authorities to address the issue and ensure access to safe, clean water for all. By raising awareness and implementing proactive measures, Harare can overcome this new wave of cholera and emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of public health challenges.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
