Zambia: Chikankata Town Council has announced the suspension of all trading activities at Turnpike Market and the roadside. The suspension will come into effect starting on Monday as a measure to prevent the spread of cholera in the communities.
The National Ministry of Health has shared the statistics on the number of infections that the country has recorded in the last four months. Since October 2023, the country has recorded upwards of 12,300 cases.
As per the ministry, 3.9 percent of the cumulative cases, that is 480 patients, have lost their lives to the outbreaks. Meanwhile, the previous update suggested that the country has recorded 439 new cases as of January 21.
The administration is dedicated to making sure that there is minimal loss of life in the country. Thus, the administration has taken the initiative to conduct thorough checks across the nation. With these checks, the administration ensures that all the preventive measures are followed.
Council Public Relations Officer Namasiku Njovu has disclosed that the Local Authority’s decision came after a joint inspection conducted by Public Health Inspectors from the Local Authority and the District Health Office.
Njovu says the move is part of the Local Authority’s effort to avert the outbreak of Cholera. The initiative will also help the administration ensure safety from and other diarrhoea diseases in the District.
She has called on the traders of the Turnpike Market to cooperate with the administration’s decision. She added that the move is aimed at safeguarding human life. She further said that direction will be given about when trading activities will resume, once all health and safety modalities are put in place.
Njovu reveals that the Chikankata Town Council has since commenced enforcement activities aimed at addressing the situation at the sites. The administration aims to start with the constant dislodging of the septic tank at the market, which has been problematic due to the area being water-logged.
She further reveals that refuse bins will also be installed at all public trading places across the District. The aim of this initiative is to discourage the indiscriminate disposal of waste by members of the public.
Njovu has since requested the general public to join in the fight against cholera by abiding by all health regulations.