Zimbabwe: Water cuts continue in Harare increasing risk of disease /update 1

Event

Water cuts in Harare continue as of Wednesday, July 11, increasing the risk of an outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, according to Community Water Alliance, a local non-profit. The city's main source of water, the Morton Jaffray (MJ) Water Treatment Works, was shut down this past weekend, July 6-8, for repairs. During the shutdown, the suburbs of Dzivaresekwa, Mbare, Avondale West, Highfield, Hatfield, and Tynwald North were without water. Other affected areas include Mabvuku-Tafara, Hatcliffe, Highlands, Msasa Park, Borrowdale, Hopley, Southerly Park, and Caledonia.

Context

Disruptions to water service are not uncommon in Harare. The city's water supply system has struggled to keep pace with growing demand and has enabled cholera and typhoid outbreaks in recent years. A typhoid fever outbreak began in September 2017 in the Harare suburb of Mbare, leading to at least 2300 suspected cases across Zimbabwe as of January 2018.

Advice

Those present in Zimbabwe are advised to be prepared for water cuts (stock up on bottled water), limit water usage (including flushing toilets), and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Individuals should prepare to use non-water methods of personal hygiene if necessary, including hand sanitizers. To minimize the risk of contracting a water-borne disease such as typhoid or cholera, wash hands frequently and thoroughly with an alcohol solution, drink only bottled or purified water, and eat only thoroughly cooked or peeled fruit and vegetables.

On a separate note, although Zimbabwe remains a relatively safe country in terms of security, moderate crime rates continue to afflict large cities and individuals are advised to remain vigilant against various offenses (theft, carjacking, home invasion, assault, etc.).