Sub-standard chlorine withdrawn from market

By KALOBWE BWALYA THE Zambia Medical Regulation Authority (ZAMRA) has ordered Bimbe Trading Company Limited to withdraw 1,880 (250mls each) bottles of chlorine and 910(750mls each) cases of chlorine that were supplied by the company following failure to meet concentration standards.

Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya said the declaration came following an inspection conducted by ZAMRA.

Dr Chilufya however urged all players in the market to take chlorine to the laboratory for certification before it could be supplied to consumers and ensure that it was within the set standards.

Dr Chilufya however expressed happiness that Bimbe Company complied with the directive and has since withdrawn all the chlorine bottles it distributed on the market.

He said he will ensure that the chlorine which is being distributed on the markets met the required standards adding that wholesalers will not be allowed to expose citizens to sub-standard chlorine by taking advantage of the cholera outbreak.

“We thank Bimbe for being compliant and will ensure that the production resumes and be in alignment with the minimum set standards that our laboratories at ZAMRA and in other regulatories is met,” said Dr Chilufya.

And Dr Chilufya said 32 cholera cases were recorded in the last 24 hours with Kanyama recording 13, Chipata 7, Matero, 8 Chawama 3, Bauleni 01 and Chelstone with zero deaths.

Meanwhile, numerous stakeholders including Rotary International club of Maluba district 9210 have leased four tipper trucks to help in garbage collection and K10, 000 to construct toilets at Bauleni School.

Making a donation Rotary International club of Maluba district 9210 Governor Ravi Devalia said the rotary club will ensure that it continued to work with Government in helping out with cholera.

Zoona Zambia has also donated 45, cases of Jik, 500 chlorine bottles 2,000 safety gloves worth K20, 000, as well as one light truck to cater for garbage collection.

Company manager Misozi Mkandawire said the company will ensure that customers conducted business in conducive manner, therefore supplementing efforts in community service such as the cleaning exercise.

And Laurence Paul Investments also donated 30 cases of chlorine, boxes of Dettol hand washing soap worth K5, 000.

Company sales executive Sarah Ng’andu said the company complimented Government in efforts to curb the scourge adding that the firm will always take part during such disasters.