Zimbabwe's capital city Harare has purchased water treatment chemicals from the World Health Organisation, the Herald reported on Monday.

The chemicals — worth US$450 000 — are enough to treat water for a month.

WHO country representative Dr Custodia Mandlhate told the Herald there was still a threat of cholera and there was a need to remain prepared for any outbreaks through the purchase of treatment chemicals, drugs and equipment, as well as training in social mobilisation.

The chemicals for the city's water treatment — comprising 22.7 tons of sodium silicate, 156.34 tons of sulphuric acid, 1.35 tons of chlorine gas, 58.1 tons of hydrated lime and 27.6 tons of algae killer — were bought with funds provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Herald said.

"The AfDB has made available a grant of US$1-million for cholera mitigation programmes," the newspaper said.

Mandlhate told the Herald that provision of water treatment chemicals alone would not solve the problem and there was a need to attend to the city's water and sewer infrastructure.

"Together with UN sister agencies, WHO will continue to advocate more resources to address the root causes of the cholera outbreaks," she said.

Sapa

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