Harare council warns residents against buying roasted maize in CBD

The City of Harare has warned members of the public against buying roasted fresh maize cobs from vendors operating within the central business district (CBD), warning that such products pose a risk of cholera infection.

On Friday, 12 December, the City of Harare Municipal Police carried out an operation targeting vendors selling roasted maize and other wild fruits in the CBD.

During the raid, officers discovered alarming public health hazards.

Many vendors were found to be dumping waste directly into storm drains and drainage systems, a practice that contributes to flooding during the rainy season.

In addition, the streets were heavily littered with debris from the vendors’ operations.

Shockingly, officers also found that some vendors were hiding their maize and other food items in the very same dirty drainage channels, raising serious concerns about contamination and the spread of disease.

The City warned that consuming products sold under such conditions could significantly increase the risk of cholera and other waterborne illnesses. The council said:

“The City of Harare wishes to inform residents to stop buying the maize from the streets as this may lead to diseases like cholera.” *_-Pindula_*