In a move that is set to affect several church gatherings this Easter, the government has announced measures to curb the spread of cholera.
Addressing journalists after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere announced that churches must now obtain clearance and ensure the presence of a health authority to oversee their services.
In a move that is set to affect those who worship in open spaces, Dr Muswere also emphasised that the Cabinet has directed that no church gatherings may take place until adequate water and sanitation facilities are installed by church leaders.
“Cabinet has directed that, going forward, no church gatherings must take place until church leaders install water and sanitation facilities for the worshippers. All gatherings must obtain prior clearance and supervised health authorities,” Dr Muswere is quoted as having said.
Unsurprisingly, the news generated a flurry of reactions on social media, with individuals expressing various opinions on the government’s actions. Some condemned the government’s decision, while others commended their efforts to combat the spread of cholera. Here are some of the reactions:
@Tawanan63017476:
This anti church government is a mockery to its citizens. Beer halls and BOTTLESTOREs gather people daily but with no conditions. Funerals, soccer matches have no conditions but Church gatherings
@GoldAyanda:
Kudos to the authorities for this commendable action.
@alistarchibanda:
This is nonsense. You ban church gatherings that meet once a week but you don’t ban gatherings at beer halls& bottles stores that gather pple daily with no conditions. Why do u hate the church? Let’s see if u can stop the Mapostoris who will gather during Easter. Munorohwa chete!
@maxmuvami:
True church gatherings must have sanitation & water. However, Cholera menace be with us for sometime, bcoz other big drivers i.e broken sewer pipes & so forth.I am very happy its the top guns, cabinet seized with Cholera issue now, maybe things will work & water flow from taps.
@Muti_Usina_Zita:
This was long overdue. Well done government for going for these winnables. Whilst at it we need mapositori to register and have designated places of worship kwete their haphazard approach.
As of February 29, 2024, Zimbabwe has reported 26,708 cases of cholera across 62 districts in all 10 provinces, resulting in the tr@gic l0ss of 569 lives. The country’s first case of cholera was reported in February 2023.
Source iHarare
