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Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Kwekwe has activated its Civil Protection Unit (CPU) to deal with any cholera cases, amid the spread of the disease that has claimed more than 30 lives across the country.

Cholera broke out in Harare last week and has since been declared a disaster and has spread to other parts of the country like Masvingo, Gokwe and recently Bulawayo.

The disease has so far claimed at least 31 lives and affected about thousands in Harare while about 13 people died of typhoid in neighbouring Gweru.

The majority of cases have been traced to Harare, with the epicentre being Glen-view.

Kwekwe, considered to be at the heart of the country, is on high alert for any cases.

Kwekwe district administrator and CPU chair Mr Fortune Mpungu said although there were no cases reported yet in the city, their health team was on standby.

“We remain vigilant as a city as we are at the centre of the country with people moving in and out of the city. So we remain vigilant and we keep our ears on the ground always,“ he said.

Mr Mpungu said the major threat came from Redcliff which has some parts which do not have potable water and rely on borehole water.

“It is true some parts of Redcliff use boreholes, but we have liaised with Kwekwe City to constantly supply them with water. As a local authority also Redcliff are taking measures to counter the disease in case it breaks out. For example they are taking samples of water and sewerage,” he said.

He said they have successfully moved vendors to designated areas in a bid to minimise chances of the disease.

“We are happy with the way the vendors complied to our plea and they moved to designated areas. We have also targeted backyard food vendors whom we have ordered to close shop,” he said.

Mr Mpungu said Mbizo 1 Clinic has been set aside as a referral health centre and urged residents to report any suspected case early.