Three children in Bulawayo are reported to have died from drinking contaminated water pumped by the Bulawayo City Council. The children died from diarrhoea related complications and their parents have accused the council for pumping unsafe water to residents.
More residents in Luveve suburb where the three children stayed have complained of diarrhoea after drinking the water.
Bulawayo City Council introduced a water rationing programme last month. The local authority said water levels are getting low everyday. The Council also faces challenges in procurement of chemicals and maintenance of the piping system due to the worsening economic conditions and the collapse of the local currency.
According to state media, residents have been complaining that the water coming off their taps was dirty and causing diarrhoea. The Luveve children who died are Freedom Tshuma (13), Bongiwe Ndlovu (9) and an unidentified Form Four pupil after died after complaining of running of stomach. Freedom’s aunt, Ms Patricia Tshuma was interviewed by Sunday news and said she was informed on Tuesday that Freedom was having stomach problems. He was admitted at Mpilo Hospital and he died on Thursday.
“We are in great pain and shock that we can get sick from tap water as we had all along thought it is a trusted source. The water seems to have particles that look like tissues. Most of us are sick because of the dirty water and already there are three funerals because of this. We are appealing to the authorities to seriously look into the issue and fix the water,” she said at the funeral.
Freedom’s cousin Mr Bitwell Mguni said he also had stomach pains and a running stomach.
Bongiwe Ndlovu was was taken to Luveve clinic before being transferred to Mpilo where she died on Friday. Bongiwe’s aunt said the family also suffered from stomach problems. “We experienced stomach problems but they eased only for Bongiwe to get worse on Wednesday and she never recovered. The particles in the water are not visible but can be seen when you let the water settle. Most people in the neighbourhood have been complaining of diarrhoea and it seems to be affecting children more,” she said.
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