Water metering system: threat to eradicating guinea worm-GHS

Health Experts have warned that the proposed water metering by the Ghana Water Company limited was likely to pose a major threat to efforts at eradicating Guinea Worm and other water borne diseases. Speaking to Radio Ghana on the implication of the proposed system, the administrator at the Upper East Regional Health Directorate, Lucio Dery, said though the system is anticipated to ensure sanity in the payment of water and help improve the management of water delivery, there was the need for constructive dialogue and deliberation by key actors. Mr. Derry observed that, its full implementation will most likely affect the rural folks who are low-income earners. The rural poor, he noted, could face frequent disconnection and resort to the streams and rivers as their alternative source of water. The implication, he noted, could mean that efforts by the health sector at combating Guinea worm infestation and other water borne diseases will be a mirage. According to him, the country since 2011, had not recorded any case of the disease and attributed the success story to a decisive turnaround in 2006, when the disease was declared a public health enemy. Mr. Dery called for concerted efforts by NGOs, Civil Society Organizations and related agencies, to see to the construction of boreholes and wells in deprived communities. This, he explained, will expedite the provision of safe water to avoid diseases. He, therefore, called on government to assist in the provision of more boreholes and the rehabilitation of existing ones in places identified as guinea worm endemic areas.

GBC                                                                      END                                                      IA/