Zimbabwe’s government has launched “Operation Chenesa Harare” in response to a significant spike in cholera cases. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora announced the operation during a press conference, highlighting the urgent need for intervention as the country grapples with a cholera epidemic. As of January 5, 2024, the government had reported 15,571 suspected cases of cholera, with 1,871 confirmed cases and 67 recorded deaths. An additional 280 suspected deaths have been reported, while 15,036 individuals have recovered from the disease.
The operation, named “Chenesa Harare,” aims to address the poor hygiene and sanitation conditions that have contributed to the spread of cholera. Minister Mombeshora emphasized that cholera is a preventable disease caused by inadequate sanitation and hygiene, underscoring the necessity of efficient management and swift government intervention.
The government identified garbage collection, provision of clean portable water, and installation of proper sewer systems as key priorities in combating the cholera outbreak. Minister Mombeshora attributed the current challenges to the failure of the City council to collect garbage and provide clean water, as well as inadequate sewer systems. He stated that the government would focus on removing solid waste and ensuring the availability of clean, potable water as immediate measures to address the crisis.
To facilitate the operation, the government has mobilized resources from both public and private sectors. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is actively involved in the cleanup efforts, with the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) coordinating the deployment of trucks, refuse compactors, and other heavy machinery. The minister indicated that specific regions of Harare have been allocated resources and operational support based on the severity of the cholera outbreak in each area.
In addition to the cleanup initiative, the government is working to increase the supply of clean potable water, addressing the drop in water availability from 350 to 200 mega litres per day. Minister Mombeshora assured that the government would provide necessary water purification chemicals to the City Council, emphasizing the pivotal role of clean water in preventing sewer blockages and mitigating sanitation challenges.
The operation’s timeline has been set for one week, from January 5th to 12th, with a goal of collecting and disposing of all garbage in Harare. As the government takes decisive action to curb the spread of cholera, “Operation Chenesa Harare” stands as a critical response to the public health crisis, aiming to safeguard the well-being of Zimbabwe’s capital city and its residents.
