By Takudzwa Josiah
As I stroll through the streets of Zvishavane, a mining town in central Zimbabwe, the surface tranquillity masks a deep-seated fear gripping the hearts of many.
Money exchanges hands with a sense of urgency as men and women flock to gather around a young man renowned for offering the “best exchange rate” for foreign currency.
Further down Robert Mugabe Avenue, commuters eagerly purchase succulent fruits from the vibrant stalls of Makarios Terminus, nestled beside the busy thoroughfare.
Seeking a glimpse into the heart of the town, I board a Funcargo, packed tightly like potatoes, as we make our way to Mandava, home to a significant portion of Zvishavane’s urban population.
The usual hustle and bustle prevails—business carries on uninterrupted. Unlike the time when Covid-19 struck, forcing Zimbabweans into hiding and imposing strict lockdown measures, life in Zvishavane seems to progress undeterred.
However, beneath the surface, a silent threat looms large—the outbreak of cholera.
In the latest communication from the health ministry, it is revealed that there have been over 2000 suspected cholera cases. In response, the ministry has activated its dedicated staff to raise awareness and educate communities about cholera prevention and management.
In a telephone interview, Donald Mujiri, the spokesperson for the ministry, explains that health workers across provinces and districts have been mobilized for this crucial task.
Speaking to some residents of Zvishavane, I learn that the message of cholera education is reaching them through the diligent efforts of health workers conducting door-to-door visits.
The local radio station, Ya FM, also plays a significant role in disseminating information and advice to the community.
Meanwhile, roadside fruit and vegetable traders, as well as their cooked food vendor counterparts, have received education on the cholera outbreak and their responsibility in curbing the spread of this diarrheal disease.
In separate interviews, street food vendors in Zvishavane express their awareness of the potential risks their outlets pose in propagating the disease.
They take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their valued clients, striving to create an environment where returning customers can feel secure and healthy.
However, amidst the efforts to combat cholera, not all is well and rosy. In the high-density suburb of Mandava, business owners voice their frustrations about burst sewers that remain unattended for days.
Council workers tend to avoid working during weekends, leaving these concerned individuals with no choice but to close their shops. The festering issue of unaddressed sewage heightens the risk of contamination and threatens the livelihoods of those affected.
In the residential areas, women and caregivers entrusted with the care of people with disabilities find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place.
Water shortages exacerbate their already challenging roles, pushing them to the brink. The struggle to provide adequate care intensifies as access to clean water becomes increasingly scarce.
The spectre of cholera is not unfamiliar to the world with a history dating back to the 1800s. Zimbabwe too has battled this relentless monster before, enduring sporadic outbreaks over the decades.
The memory of the largest cholera outbreak between 2008 and 2009 still lingers, where thousands fell victim to the disease. Zimbabwe faced another outbreak in 2018, causing further suffering and loss of life.
In this particular outbreak, the first case of cholera in 2023 emerged on February 12th in Chegutu town. Since then, cases have spread across nine provinces of the country. As of Tuesday, the cumulative toll stood at 1,801 suspected cases, 33 suspected cholera deaths, and 428 laboratory-confirmed cases.
As the battle against cholera intensifies, Zvishavane finds itself at a critical juncture. Behind the facade of bustling streets and resilient traders, a community struggles to keep the invisible enemy at bay.