Shot In The Arm For Cholera Hotspots

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has drilled 77 boreholes in cholera hotspots across the country out of a target of more than 140 as it steps up efforts to fight the deadly water-borne disease through increased access to clean water.
The country is fighting a cholera outbreak that has so far claimed 71 lives, while more than 300 others are suspected to have succumbed to the disease since its outbreak last year.
The Government ordered to ZINWA to strengthen the water quality assurance tests as part of the cholera containment measures in rural and urban areas.
Boreholes are being drilled at institutions like clinics, schools, and hospitals in affected places such as Chiredzi, Glendale, and Harare. The drilling of boreholes helps the country improve water and sanitation in the communities.
The exercise buttresses the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme that commenced in 2021 to improve access to water in communities targeting 35,000 boreholes across the country’s villages.
Communities in Binga, Matabeleland North, and Mangwe in Matabeleland South, are among those that have already benefited from the program.
Concerning the cholera mitigation interventions, Mrs Munyonga ZINWA Cooperate Communications said 38 boreholes have been drilled in Harare, 33 in Manicaland, three in Mashonaland West, and two in Masvingo province with more expected in other parts of the country.
“Drilling of more boreholes is in progress across the country with at least 140 boreholes having already been surveyed and ready for drilling as of January 17, 2024.
“The authority has also put in place a raft of measures and strategies to help prevent the outbreak and spread of cholera in the areas that provide potable water,” she said.
Mrs Munyonga also said Zinwa has stocked up water treatment chemicals for small towns, growth points, and rural service centres to ensure minimum disruptions to water supplies.
Access to clean water is considered one of the important measures in mitigation against cholera hence Zinwa has reiterated the need to ensure minimal water supply disruptions in the areas it supplies potable water. The boreholes are being equipped with solar systems and bush pumps.