The City of Harare is taking decisive action to tackle a growing bed bug crisis in Mbare, with plans to fumigate more than 5,000 housing units. The effort will begin with the most heavily affected flats, including those in Matererini, Matapi, and Majubeki, before extending to other areas.
According to Prosper Chonzi, Director of Health at the City of Harare, the infestation is widespread. “It’s almost like it’s everywhere where there are bed bugs, but we have Matererini, parts of Matapi and Majubeki and all in all we did a mapping and there are 5,490 units that need to be fumigated,” he said. “So we are planning for those 5,490 starting with those who voiced their voices about the outbreak, but we are going to spray everywhere because it doesn’t help to just spray the affected and leave other flats in Mbare.”
Samples of bed bugs have been sent to laboratories for analysis to determine the most effective pesticides to use. Chonzi noted, “It’s very true there are many bed bugs in this area, the government has chipped in help and other pest control chemicals are being transported from Mashonaland East and other materials. We have taken the bed bugs to our laboratories so that we can determine which chemicals kill the most and the chemicals which we have now are the ones which we always use, but we will come up with the most effective if it requires doing so after our laboratory results.”
Residents are voicing concerns about the role of second-hand clothing, locally known as “mabhero,” in spreading the infestation. Jane Kariwo from Matererini flats, Block 3, believes these clothes are contributing to the crisis. “We are pleading that they find a place where cloakrooms are opened somewhere so that we are not close to these second-hand clothes which are transported from Tanzania and other places,” she said. “There should be a place where these clothing items are fumigated before they are brought to the markets to avoid these kinds of outbreaks.”
The health risks associated with bed bugs are a significant concern. Their bites can cause skin infections, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems. One youth is already turning to medication to manage the itchiness caused by bed bug bites. The City of Harare is working to find a solution and prevent future outbreaks
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