Media Team | Thursday, 4th January 2024 | Lusaka
In response to the Cholera outbreak, the Lusaka City Council (LCC) has made the decision to address the issue by burying all shallow wells throughout the city. This emergency measure aims to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure the safety of the residents. By eliminating the potential sources of contamination, such as shallow wells, the LCC is taking proactive steps to mitigate the risk and protect the health of the community. This decisive action demonstrates the council’s commitment to tackling the Cholera crisis and safeguarding the well-being of the city’s inhabitants.
The country is currently experiencing a significant increase in the number of daily cholera cases, particularly in the district of Lusaka. This surge in cases has raised concerns about the spread and impact of the disease.
During the 4th Ordinary Full Council meeting held on Wednesday, 3rd January 2024, Lusaka Mayor Ms. Chilando Chitangala emphasized the significant health risks posed by shallow wells as a major source of contamination. In response, she has instructed all councillors to collaborate with the Council, community leaders, and health workers to identify active shallow wells in their respective wards and ensure their immediate burial.
Ms. Chitangala stressed the urgency of addressing the cholera outbreak and highlighted the need for comprehensive measures to contain its spread. She expressed concern over the alarming number of cases and emphasized the importance of taking all necessary actions to curb further transmission.
Additionally, Ms. Chitangala underscored the necessity of water bowsers in areas like Matero, Kanyama, Munali, and Mandevu Constituencies, which are currently facing erratic water supply. She acknowledged that the lack of clean and safe water is a contributing factor to the cholera outbreak and assured that the council is actively collaborating with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health and the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) to address this issue effectively.
In an effort to combat the cholera outbreak, the Mayor of Lusaka has made a plea to the city’s residents to ensure their water is boiled before consumption and to maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices. Additionally, she has advised them to refrain from consuming street food and to regularly wash their hands with soap and water.
In a related development, the Acting Town Clerk of Lusaka City Council, Engineer Liftery Ndaba, has informed the council that Heroes Stadium has been designated as a Cholera Centre and is fully prepared to provide care for patients.
Furthermore, the Acting Town Clerk has announced that the Council has allocated Constituency Development Fund (CDF) vehicles to be deployed in the areas most affected by the outbreak, in order to effectively respond to cholera cases.
He has also called upon all cooperating partners to contribute to the cause by donating essential items such as chlorine, disinfectants, gloves, soap, and other necessary supplies to aid in the fight against cholera.
The Acting Town Clerk expressed gratitude towards the government and other stakeholders for their unwavering support and resilience in tackling the cholera outbreak.