The Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing July Moyo says government, together with the Harare City Council, has scaled up their rapid response in curbing the spread of cholera in the Harare Metropolitan province.

In a statement released this afternoon updating the nation on the progress made so far, Minister Moyo said his ministry, together with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, has engaged private partners to supply affected areas with clean water, assist in refuse collection and mend burst sewer pipes.

He added that the government has since released $6.7 million for urgent health related needs with the portion of the amount set to assist the city council in maintaining infrastructural requirements.

On improving sanitation in the capital, Moyo highlighted that government has also released $500 million to kick-start clean-up campaigns while insisting that vendors would not be allowed to operate in the central business district until the outbreak has been contained.

“It has become imperative that all types of vending be banned with immediate effect. The joint operation system has since been activated to assist in the removal of the vending public. May I also take this opportunity to urge a few way ward vendors who are playing hide and seek with the law enforcement agents to comply. I am aware that there are some vendors who were operating with permits from the City of Harare. I direct that the law enforcement agents should amicably dismantle the stalls they are operating from,” said Minister Moyo.

The Minister also indicated that a directive has been given to all Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs to closely and continuously monitor and assist local authorities in addressing some of the key drivers of the outbreak.

“As a way of unlocking more assistance from local and international organisations, the government of Zimbabwe will be making its appeal on 17 September 2018 at the National Sports Stadium VIP lounge at 15:00 hours,” he said.

Moyo said the compilation of a consolidated cholera outbreak response plan has made it possible to highlight sustainable immediate, medium and long-term solutions to such outbreaks.