Parly opening with cholera alert
MBABANE – This year’s official opening of Parliament will take place under precautions to avoid the spread of cholera.
Government officials, the media and all supporting services staff were yesterday urged to sensitise colleagues about the need to frequently wash hands with water and soap during the event, which is expected to draw no less than 2 000 people.
This was during the dress rehearsal for the first session of the 12th Parliament. The number of cholera cases and deaths reported to the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), as of January 14 was 11 415 and 355 deaths respectively with a case fatality ratio of 3.1 per cent.
Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba said officials from the Ministry of Health has assured him that they would provide all necessary facilities to ensure that the spread of diseases, such as cholera is discouraged.
Senate President, Lindiwe Dlamini also said they would improve toilet facilities this year to promote hygiene.
Meanwhile Director of Health Services, Dr Velephi Okello, in an interview said: “Since we have no cholera outbreak, we still emphasise on general hygiene and sanitation - drinking of clean water, frequent washing of hands with running water and use of toilets.”
On another note, Xaba said preparations for the event were at an advanced stage. He said all government ministries had been helpful in ensuring that the facilities are maintained ahead of the big day. The marquee is almost ready and we will ensure that all streets are free of litter from as far as Ludzidzini,” he said.
He appealed to all government departments to submit lists for food distribution so that this can be planned for in advance. “So far, we have only six lists, yet we want everyone to eat and be full on the day,” he said.