Government says it has accelerated its national borehole drilling programme in response to the cholera outbreak that has claimed over 100 lives so far this year.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information minister Jenfan Muswere said: “In response to the cholera challenges, 14 boreholes were drilled in Buhera, two in Chimanimani, and eight in Zaka through a borehole drilling project under the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“Cabinet further reports that health education on cholera prevention and control measures, including hygiene promotion is ongoing in provinces.”
Cholera cases continue to rise with more than 5 000 confirmed cases and 120 suspected deaths recorded across the country.
According to a recent Health ministry situational report, 64 new suspected cases and 43 confirmed deaths have been reported.
The cases were recorded in Chitungwiza (29), Buhera (18), Masvingo (8), Gutu (4), Mutare (3) and Bikita (2).
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Forty-three districts have reported cases across the country.
Last week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said government would urgently roll out a nationwide borehole drilling programme to ensure the nation, particularly 35 000 villages, have access to clean, safe drinking solar-powered water points.
Cabinet also revealed that it will intervene to improve the water supply situation in Harare where residents are going for weeks without the precious liquid.
“In order to ensure improved potable water supply coverage to the city from 40% to 60%, there is need to rehabilitate water production at Morton Jaffray and Prince Edward waterworks. This will boost production capacity from current 300 mega litres per day to 520 mega litres per day,” Muswere said.