Tanaka Chare
Panick broke out among Kwekwe residents following a surge in bed bugs “tsikidzi” hit in Mbizo 7 and Amaveni.
Cases were reported in Mbizo 7 and Amaveni suburbs in Kwekwe, sending shock waves to residents as the bed bugs invade homes, schools and public places.
His Worship, the Mayor of the City of Kwekwe, Councilor Albert Zinhanga acknowledged the situation and measures that are being taken to stop the spread of the outbreak.
“As the City of Kwekwe, we have been carrying out regular fumigation, particularly in the affected areas of Mbizo Section 7 and Amaveni.”
“However, I want to clarify that the outbreak is limited to specific parts of these suburbs. It is not the entire Amaveni or all of Mbizo 7, but only certain sections where the bed bugs have been found.”
City of Kwekwe urged residents to cooperate with authorities in ending the bed bugs before the situation escalates.
“We are trying our best, but fumigation efforts require more chemical and coordination actions from the community.
Margaret Dube, a Mbizo resident, expressed her concern over the tsikidzi outbreak.
“We are living in unbearable conditions. These insects are everywhere, making it nearly impossible to sleep.”
Councillor Maxwell Judha of Ward 9 expressed his concern during a recent full council meeting.
” We are concerned about the spread of bed bugs in Mbizo 7. There is a need for fumigation in affected areas.
Initially, we had reports from Amaveni, but now in Mbizo, we have reports of bed bugs, indicating a significant spread. I appeal to the health department to expedite the fumigation process before it becomes uncontrollable.”
The outbreak mirrors a crisis in Mbare, Harare, where bed bugs were initially discovered.“Bed bugs are slowly escalating into a nationwide concern with several areas like Glen View, Mabvuku and Budiriro in Harare.
Furthermore, recent reports indicate that tsikidzi infestations are becoming a nationwide concern in cities like Gweru, Bulawayo and Mutare with high alert.
Meanwhile, in Gweru pest and pesticide control team has been sent to assess for any possible infestation of bedbugs in Mtapa, Ascot, and Mambo residential areas.
After the assessment, the team will embark on the control of the bedbugs with the most effective chemicals.
“Local authorities are working tirelessly to fight the bedbugs before they spread nationwide and request that citizens practise good hygiene wherever they are and avoid sharing clothes and luggage. luggage.
