By Staff Reporter
In response to a surge in cholera cases, including fatalities, the government has issued a ban on church leaders hosting public gatherings over the Easter holidays in venues lacking running water. Many parts of the country lack clean running water, which contributes to the problem.
Addressing journalists during a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare recently , Information Minister, Jenfan Muswere said officials expressed worries over certain denominations, notably Apostolic sects, that continue to congregate in locations lacking adequate water and sanitation amenities: water and sanitation amenities.
He said Zimbabwe has now documented 29,144 cumulative suspected cases of cholera. This represents an increase from the figures reported on March 5, which stood at 27,182 suspected cases, 2,734 confirmed cases, and 26,482 recoveries.
“Cabinet noted with concern that some churches continue to gather in places without safe water or sanitation facilities. His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has since directed that solarized water facilities and boreholes should be installed to ensure the provision of safe water and sanitation at Karuyana Shrine among other sites,” said Muswere.
The minister also said that the government will be seriously monitoring and supervising activities during the Easter holidays to help stop the spread of cholera.
“In light of the impending Easter holidays, the Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health and Child Care to intensify monitoring and supervision of all gatherings to minimise the spread of cholera.
“Cabinet further directed that going forward, no church gatherings must take place until church leaders install solar powered boreholes or bush pump boreholes as Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cholera cases are 29 144,” said Muswere.
It is now over a year since the outbreak of cholera and the nation has been failing to contain its spread as there are no enough vaccinations, no adequate water supplies across the country and other poor hygienic conditions.
