Harare — HARARE City Council last Friday received water treatment chemicals worth US$450 000 from the World Health Organisation with the UN agency pledging to attend to Harare's water and sewer infrastructure.

The chemicals are enough to treat water for a month.

WHO country representative Dr Custodia Mandlhate said the chemicals, comprising 22,7 tonnes of sodium silicate, 156,34 tonnes sulphuric acid, 1,35 tonnes of chlorine gas, 58,1 tonnes of hydrated lime and 27,6 tonnes of algae killer were bought with funds provided by the African Development Bank.

The AfDB has made available a grant of US$1 million for cholera mitigation programmes.

"The value of the products being handed over is US$450 000. With funds from the same source other supplies are being purchased -- tents, medicines, protective clothes and training activities are still taking place," said Dr Mandlhate.

She said the threat of cholera was still there and there was need to remain prepared for any outbreaks through the purchase of treatment chemicals, drugs and equipment, as well as training in social mobilisation.

Dr Mandlhate said provision of water treatment chemicals alone would not solve the problem, hence there was 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.

Clr Peter Marange, who represented Mayor Mr Muchadeyi Masunda and town clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi, paid tribute to the WHO for assisting the city.

In separate presentations, Clr Marange and Dr Mahachi said the donation would ensure that Harare receives clean water.