SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MIDLANDS BUREAU

MBERENGWA – At least 18 084 or 43% of Mberengwa households don’t have toilets and this is resulting in recurring cholera and other waterborne diseases in the district, lead master planner Average Chigwenya has said.
He told The Mirror in an interview that the risk of cholera remains high due to poor Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) coverages. Most WASH programs were abandoned in 2016 due to financial constraints, he said.
Chigwenya added that situational interventions were also affected by perennial droughts which saw funds being prioritised towards drought relief.
He said the local authority has resolved to put in place proper sewer reticulation systems at Mataga and Mberengwa Business Centres and to ensure that every household has a Blair toilet to control the situation that poses a risk for a health time bomb.
“The district is currently battling to control cholera due to sporadic outbreaks throughout the district. The risk of cholera remains high due to poor water, sanitation and hygiene coverages.
“The district has a total of 18 084 households without toilets and therefore they are using bush or field system. Such waste disposal systems expose households to cholera and typhoid,” he said.
Mberengwa currently has seven active cholera cases.
Mberengwa Rural District Council (RDC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Thompson Maeresera said the percentage is worrisome and they are going to ensure that every household has a functional Blair toilet.
“It is worrisome to hear that about 43% of our people don’t have toilets. We are going to make sure that each and every household has a functional toilet to prevent diseases. We will map a way forward through engaging communities.
“We are pleased with the development of the master plan report as this will ensure orderly and organised development for the next 15 years,” he said.