*Tsikidzi invade Bulawayo: Residents plead for help as bed bugs turn Mpopoma into itchy nightmare* ... https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaY2CerJ93wdC8Y4BQ24 https://www.myzimbabwe.co.zw/news/182382-tsikidzi-invade-bulawayo-residents-plead-for-help-as-bed-bugs-turn-mpopoma-into-itchy-nightmare.html The bed bug scourge, previously a source of amusement for Bulawayo residents following viral memes from Harare, has now descended upon the city, turning lives into a crawling, itching nightmare. Residents of Mpopoma’s Ward Nine are grappling with a severe infestation, leaving them scratching, spraying, and suffering sleepless nights. The biting beasts have sunk their fangs into residents of Block 46 and the flats behind Patapata Beer Garden, leaving a trail of itchy bodies and rising frustration. What started as a distant problem in Harare has now become a harsh reality for the people of Bulawayo. When the news crew visited the affected area, the extent of the crisis was immediately apparent. One woman from Block 46, her face, neck, and hands covered in angry red welts, was scratching furiously as she recounted her ordeal. “These bugs have turned our lives into a nightmare,” she lamented. “We haven’t had a peaceful night in weeks. They bite my kids too. We’ve tried everything. Nothing works.” The physical discomfort is only part of the problem. The embarrassment and stigma associated with bed bug infestations are causing additional distress. Some residents are reluctant to speak out, fearing ridicule and judgment. “It’s hard to talk about,” said Miss Siphiwe Moyo, another victim of the infestation. “People will laugh at you. But we are suffering. We are tired. We can’t sleep at all. These bugs are winning.” Residents claim they have alerted the Bulawayo City Council to the problem, only to be told to pay US$47 per household for fumigation services. For many, particularly the elderly, this amount is simply unaffordable. “That amount is simply out of reach for most of our elderly residents,” said Ward 9 Residents’ Chairperson Mr Stanslous Dube. “The infestation is real. Block 46 and the flats near Patapata are the worst-hit. People are begging for help.” Ward Secretary for Environment Mr Dumisani Moyo echoed these concerns, adding, “This problem is spreading, and many are too ashamed to report it. We’re pleading with the government for intervention.” While Ward Councillor Donaldson Mabutho has promised to visit the affected areas, Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart stated that he had not yet received an official report and therefore could not comment on the matter. Experts warn that if the Mpopoma outbreak is left unchecked, it could explode across the city. Similar infestations have plagued Harare since early this year, demonstrating the rapid spread and devastating impact of bed bugs. The Ministry of Health and Child Care, in collaboration with local councils and pest control firms, has launched fumigation campaigns across schools and hospitals nationwide, with varying degrees of success. However, these efforts may not be enough to contain the growing crisis. “Many people are boiling water, using paraffin, or experimenting with homemade remedies,” said a health source. “But bed bugs are tough. They hide in furniture, clothing, luggage, and they’re spreading fast.” Zimbabwe’s warm temperatures and dry season provide the perfect breeding environment for bed bugs, allowing them to multiply rapidly and invade new homes. Heat accelerates their breeding cycle, exacerbating the problem. Bed bug infestations are not unique to Zimbabwe. Cities around the world, including Paris, New York, Chicago, London, Johannesburg, Mumbai, and Sydney, have reported major outbreaks in homes, cinemas, hospitals, and transport systems. The 2023 Fashion Week in Paris was particularly affected, with hotels and trains crawling with the pests. Once established, bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate without professional fumigation. Even then, reinfestation is common if communities do not act collectively. Health experts are calling for a national emergency response, emphasizing that bed bugs are more than just a nuisance. They cause mental stress, insomnia, and long-term skin problems. Furthermore, their presence highlights underlying issues with urban sanitation. For the residents of Mpopoma, the memes have lost their humour. The bugs are here, they bite, and they are not going away without decisive action. The community is desperately seeking assistance to reclaim their homes and their peace of mind.