A total of 218 diarrhoea cases have been recorded in Bulawayo's water-hit Luveve high-density suburb with five diarrhoea patients admitted at Mpilo hospital.

The deceased's families allege the deaths were linked to dirty and unsafe water pumped by Bulawayo City Council.

Speaking at a water crisis meeting held at the Large City Hall Wednesday, the city's chamber secretary Sikhangele Zhou said the council had moved in to address the outbreak.

"We are saying since it is an outbreak, all people with diarrhoea like symptoms in Luveve and nearby Cowdray Park will be treated at council clinics free of charge.

Please note that this facility will not apply to people from other suburbs except the two suburbs," stressed Zhou adding the council was still waiting for the outcome of stool samples taken to a laboratory for testing.