Staff Reporter
Kwekwe City councillors have raised concerns over reports that condoms meant for free distribution at public health facilities and other designated points are allegedly being sold in some bars.
The issue was raised during a full council meeting after Finance committee chairperson Cllr Alex Senge sought clarification from the Health department on measures being taken to address an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which stood at 390 cases as of April 2026 down, from 458 recorded in the previous month.
Responding to the concerns, Health committee chairperson Cllr Panyika Nyika said he had discovered that some bars were allegedly selling condoms intended for free distribution.
“I visited some bars and discovered that they were selling condoms meant for free distribution. When I asked for condoms at a certain bar, I was told that they were selling at US$1 for four units,” said Cllr Nyika.
He said he was shown condoms labelled for free distribution and urged fellow councillors to conduct surveys in their respective wards to establish the extent of the alleged practice.
“These are some of the challenges that we face at certain clubs. I challenge fellow councillors to also visit bars in their respective wards as we seek to address the problems,” he said.
Cllr Senge had asked the Health Department to outline measures being implemented to curb the rising number of STI cases in the city.
“Since we are facing an increase in the number of STIs, can the Health department tell us what measures they are taking to address this?” he asked.
Meanwhile, Kwekwe chamber secretary Athanas Chidzurira said bar owners should be considered as distribution points for condoms at their premises, while measures should be put in place to regulate access.
“The cashiers must be tasked with the responsibility to distribute the condoms. They must take custody of the condoms to minimise chances of one person taking the whole box,” said Chidzurira.
He suggested that condoms be rationed by providing limited quantities to individuals requesting them.
The council is expected to further engage relevant stakeholders on the distribution of condoms and efforts to address the increase in STI cases in Kwekwe.
