JCTR backs measures to fight cholera

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 12:05:04 +0000

By SANDRA MACHIMA

JESUIT Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has acknowledged measures government has put in place to combat cholera.

The JCTR has also advised the State to come up with a criteria that would ensure that the lives of many Zambians who depend on trading was not derailed.

JCTR Social and Economic Development programme officer Chanda Chileshe noted the removal of street vendors from town was a step in the right direction to improve sanitation and possibly prevent a future cholera outbreak.

But he said there was need to secure alternative trading space for every displaced trader.

Mr Chileshe said government needed to develop a national strategy on how to manage waste and sensitise the masses on sanitation and need for proper hygiene to avoid further cholera outbreaks.

He said there was need for the government to come up with an efficient criteria of allocating market spaces to street vendors to avoid confusion and enable people to earn a descent livelihood.

Mr Chileshe further appealed to the relevant authority to ensure there was no de-politicization of market levy collection so that levies from the marketers could be used to create a conducive and hygienic environment through building toilets, placing bins and employing workers to clean the markets on a daily basis. He observed that sending the vendors out of the streets without providing an alternative might worsen their financial situation thereby increasing incidents of poverty and vulnerability in many homes.

 “The outbreak of cholera has taught us this is not a disease for the poor but a disease which affects all and calls for everyone to help in keeping our surroundings clean and to also take care of our personal hygiene.”