Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE – Residents of Dangamvura, a high-density suburb in Mutare, have made known to council their anger over its failure to effectively control the mosquito menace.
With the rainy season approaching, the community is increasingly concerned that the current mosquito population, which has already reached alarming levels, will worsen, leading to an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.
Residents have been vocal about their plight, pleading with the Mutare City Council to take immediate action, particularly by instituting indoor residual spraying (IRS).
This method is recognised as an effective way to control mosquito populations and reduce the incidence of diseases transmitted by these pests.
Many residents have reported sleepless nights due to constant mosquito presence, which has become a significant nuisance.
“The situation has become unbearable. We are living in fear of mosquito-borne diseases, especially with the rains just around the corner. We have been asking the council to act, but nothing seems to be happening. We need indoor residual spraying urgently,” said one Dangamvura resident, Melania Chiteka.
The concerns raised by Dangamvura residents are echoed throughout the high density areas of Natview and Hobhouse, where many families fear the implications of unchecked mosquito populations.
The high-density nature of the suburb, characterized by closely situated homes and proximity to Sakubva, makes residents particularly vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases spread by mosquitoes.
In response to the residents’ outcry, the Mutare City Council has stated that there is an ongoing process of spraying riverine areas, which are recognised as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. However, residents argue that this response is insufficient, as it does not address the immediate threat posed by mosquitoes in residential areas.
“We appreciate that the council is spraying riverine areas, but what about the homes? Mosquitoes don’t just stay in the bushes; they invade our living spaces. We need comprehensive action, including indoor spraying,” another resident stated.
“The rainy season exacerbates the problem as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. The council must act swiftly to implement effective control measures in high-density areas like Dangamvura,” fumed Garikai Mandava of Gimboki.
“The health of our community is at stake. We need the council to listen to us and take our concerns seriously,” stated a local resident Moses Simiti.
The council’s efforts to address the mosquito issue have been met with scepticism, as residents recall previous promises that have gone unfulfilled. Many feel that their health and safety are being compromised by the slow response of local authorities.
As the rainy season approaches, the urgency for action becomes increasingly critical. The residents of Dangamvura are calling for a coordinated response that includes not only spraying but also public education on preventing mosquito breeding in and around homes.
As the situation develops, residents remain hopeful that their voices will prompt the council to take decisive action before the onset of the rains exacerbates the already dire situation. The call for indoor residual spraying continues to grow louder as the community seeks to reclaim their right to a safe and healthy living environment.