It is caused by unpurified water, a shortage of tap water in some suburbs, and a failure by the city to collect rubbish.

By the end of November, there had been more than 1,000 instances noted.

High-density neighbourhoods Glenview and Glennorah residents are pleading with the city of Harare to supply clean water and to begin waste collection immediately.

The diarrhea epidemic in the city has been particularly bad in the two suburbs.

Some locals claim they are simply compelled to drink contaminated tap water because they lack the funds to purchase clean water from boreholes.

The City Council is doing all possible, according to Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, to supply safe water this season.

He accuses a government-owned business of failing to supply them with enough water purification chemicals.

eNCA