In the midst of Covid 19 pandemic, residents in Hatcliffe have been hit by a suspected typhoid outbreak it is alleged. So far one case has tested positive while twenty seven (27) cases the results are still pending.
Hatcliffe has not been receiving any drop of municipal water since time immemorial despite the claims by the local authority that water production has increased from 172 mega litres per day to 300 mega litres per day.
The epicentre of the suspected outbreak is in area 60 Consortium where people have been relying on open shallow wells for water for domestic purposes.
Councilor Ruzani the local Councilor confirmed that one person has been infected: “We have one confirmed case who tested positive at Hatcliffe polyclinic and we are awaiting for other results from our research centre, samples of borehole water has also been sent for testing.”
Hatcliffe has been receiving potable water from bowsers, community boreholes and tankers from development partners as an alternative. The resurfacing of typhoid come at a time when the country health delivery is under pressure to deal with COVID 19 pandemic.
CHRA recommends the following:
- City of Harare must equitably distribute the “300 mega litres” of municipal water currently produced to all suburbs of Harare
- The Ministry of Finance to comply with the High Court order to expedite the release of funds to local authorities to improve the water situation in Harare
- Council must expedite testing of the samples of the suspected cases and share the results with the public
Source: Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
