Housefly outbreak hits Bulawayo

POOR hygiene by residents, open sewer lines and a failure by the Bulawayo City Council to regularly collect refuse have been cited as the causes of an "uncontrollable" outbreak of house flies.Bulawayo residents fear the fly epidemic could cause diseases.

Bulawayo Progressive Resident's Association's information manager, Mr Zibusiso Dube, said it was important that council looks seriously into resuming outdoor spraying as was the case in the past.

"The city council has not been spraying as it used to and this could be one of the reasons," he said.

"These disposable nappies that are being used are just everywhere. I suspect this could be one of the major reasons leading to these uncontrollable flies. I would like to implore council to work more on improving refuse collection as this is no doubt a health hazard."

Mr Winos Dube, the chairman of the Bulawayo United Residents' Association, said: "Flies are now a cause for concern. I am sure you have seen it as well in the areas you come from."

He said it was difficult to pin-point one single cause, but suggested unhygienic practices by residents could be a factor.

"I suspect it could be a drop in cleanliness by the residents. In terms of sewers, I think council has done a bit of justice. Refuse collection, even though not regularly done, seems a far fetched possibility. However, I think the city council should look hard into this and see what can be done," Mr Dube added.

Resident Ms Gertrude Msimanga fears the city could be on the throes of a major cholera outbreak.

"It's so disgusting! Flies are everywhere. I don't buy that several households within the city are failing to keep their homes clean. No matter how much you clean the surfaces and spray, you will see house-flies lurking by. I suspect the rains could be a contributing factor.

This could cause a serious cholera outbreak."

Houseflies carry bacteria and viruses that can cause diarrhoea, cholera, food poisoning, dysentery, typhoid and even eye infections. If left unattended, their effects can be fatal.

Bulawayo City Council senior public relations officer, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, admitted flies were a problem.

"The causes could be the indiscriminate dumping of domestic refuse which is putrescible and attracts flies which in turn breed in it and burst sewers which spew sludge that provides potential breeding sites for flies," she told Chronicle.

She also said the high temperatures and the rains experienced in the past few weeks had putrefied organic materials, cause a "smell nuisance that attracts flies".

Mrs Mpofu also attributed the nuisance to improper disposal of chicken manure and bedding and failure to maintain fowl runs clean at all times.

"Residents keeping chickens should ensure proper disposal of the bedding, frequently clean and maintain fowls clean at all times. Inspections are being carried out to check on premises where chickens are kept to ensure proper disposal of chicken manure and bedding and also verify that the fowl runs are being kept clean. Deposit fines are being issued to offenders," Mrs Mpofu said.

She also said the environment department is making all efforts to clear illegal dumps and to remove solid waste from properties as per schedule.