Kennedy Aniedozie
The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate testing of water from boreholes and underground water pits in flood-affected communities across Onitsha, Ogbaru, Ogidi, Umusiome Nkpor and Obosi.
The directive, issued through the State Ministry of Environment, is aimed at preventing waterborne diseases following flooding and erosion that have submerged water sources, damaged drainage systems and heightened the risk of contamination.
The affected areas cut across Idemili North, Ogbaru and Onitsha South Local Government Areas.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, said the exercise is a proactive public health measure to protect residents from diseases including cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea.
Dr. Aguiyi explained that floodwater can carry sewage, chemicals and other pollutants into underground water sources, stressing that clear-looking water does not necessarily mean that it is safe for consumption.
He said the Ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Health, the affected local government councils and community leaders to collect samples from public and private boreholes and wells for laboratory analysis.
According to him, the results will determine the safety of the water sources and guide necessary remedial action.
The ministry has, therefore, directed homeowners, landlords, schools, markets and religious centres in the affected communities to make their boreholes and water pits available for sampling by State-accredited consultants and laboratories.
Residents are also advised to boil or chlorinate drinking water until test results are released.
The ministry warned residents against dumping refuse into drains and water channels, stressing that existing environmental laws would be enforced against offenders.
It further directed that any borehole or well found to be contaminated must be disinfected and retested before it is returned to use.
The ministry commended the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for its ongoing response to the challenges posed by flooding and heavy rainfall, while urging residents to support government environmental sanitation efforts.
For further information, residents may contact the Ministry of Environment Public and Environmental Health Desk on 0803 667 9407.
Kennedy Aniedozie is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
