The Anambra State Government has ordered immediate testing of water from boreholes and wells in flood-affected communities across Onitsha, Ogbaru, Ogidi, Umusiome Nkpor, and Obosi. The directive aims to prevent waterborne diseases following flooding and erosion that submerged water sources and damaged drainage systems.
Proactive health measure to combat waterborne diseases
State Commissioner for Environment, Clem Aguiyi, disclosed the directive on Tuesday in Awka while briefing reporters on measures to address potential health risks. Aguiyi said the exercise was a proactive public health measure to protect residents from diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea. He explained that floodwater could carry sewage, chemicals, and other pollutants into underground water sources, stressing that clear-looking water was not necessarily safe for consumption.
The flooding and erosion had heightened the risk of contamination in Idemili North, Ogbaru, and Onitsha South Local Government Areas, according to the commissioner. He said the directive aimed to prevent waterborne diseases following the environmental damage.
Collaboration with health ministry and local authorities
Aguiyi said the ministry would collaborate with the state Ministry of Health, affected local government councils, and community leaders to collect water samples for laboratory analysis. He stated that samples would be collected from public and private boreholes and wells in the affected communities. “The results will determine the safety of the water sources and guide necessary remedial action,” he said.
The commissioner said the ministry had directed homeowners, landlords, schools, markets, and religious centres to make their boreholes and wells available for sampling. He added that state-accredited consultants and laboratories would conduct the sampling and testing exercise.
Advice to residents and enforcement of environmental laws
Aguiyi advised residents to boil or chlorinate drinking water until the test results were released. He also warned residents against dumping refuse into drains and water channels, stressing that existing environmental laws would be enforced against offenders. He said any borehole or well found to be contaminated must be disinfected and retested before being used.
The commissioner urged residents to support the government’s environmental sanitation efforts to prevent flooding and safeguard public health. The testing exercise represents a key step in mitigating health risks in communities affected by the recent flooding and erosion.
