Diarrhea outbreak in Harare

A diarrhea outbreak has hit Zimbabwe's capital Harare as a result of unpurified water, lack of tap water in some suburbs, and non-collection of garbage by the city authorities.

HARARE - A diarrhea outbreak has hit Zimbabwe's capital Harare.

It is the result of unpurified water, lack of tap water in some suburbs, and non-collection of garbage by the city authorities.

Over 1,000 cases had been recorded by end of November.

Residents of Glenview and Glennorah high-density suburbs are calling on Harare city authorities to provide clean water and collect garbage urgently.

The two suburbs have been hardest hit by the diarrhea outbreak in the capital.  

Some residents say when dirty tap water is available, they are just forced to drink it, because they do not have money to pay for clean water from boreholes.

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume says the City Council is doing all it can to provide clean water this season.

He blames a state-owned company for failing to provide them with enough water purification chemicals.

For the past 10 years, Zimbabwe cities have faced frequent outbreaks of diarrhea, typhoid and cholera, which are spread through contaminated water and food.

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