The Post: Refuse Dumping Risks Increasing Cholera, Malaria Spread
27/07/2011
Refuse Dumping Risks Increasing Cholera, Malaria Spread
Monday, July 25, 2011
By Alenhnwi Ngum*
Increased refuse dumping in Bamenda is likely to increase cases of cholera and malaria in the city as more refuse is being dumped along streets and even beside big markets. The resultant harm of this habit is cited by a pharmacist and epidemiologist at the Regional Delegation of Public Health, Dr. Julius Sama. "The refuse that is dumped along the road side leads to pollution of the environment.
Also, it increases malaria because it serves as a breading ground for mosquitoes and leads to the transmission of cholera if it contains sewage discharge," said Dr. Sama. Those selling in the markets and along the streets are most affected. "I feel very uncomfortable and fear contracting cholera, yet we have to sell in order to earn a living," said a businesswoman at the Bamenda Food Market.
A businesswoman, Justine Manka, at the market, said she notices that people carry dirt from their homes and dump at the roadside in the mornings. The phenomenon is manifesting at a very delicate time when the country is fighting against the spread of malaria and cholera.
Recently, mosquito nets were distributed at the Bamenda General Hospital, but the population is calling on Government to also pay attention to the sanitation of the city. Complaints have come up recently from the inhabitants concerning the clean-up campaigns organised every first Thursdays of the month.
"I like the clean-up campaign because it helps to clean the town. But the problem is that after the clean-up, we find a lot of dirt on the streets; they are only carried out after a long time," said a businessman. Health workers, therefore, call on the Bamenda inhabitants to be conscious of their environment.
*(National Polytechnic Student on Internship)
Source: www.thepostwebedition.com
