By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Environmental and hygiene experts have proposed measures to take for people to protect themselves from outbreaks of diseases as residents are now battling with water shortages.
They warn that some emerging water vendors in various parts facing water shortages may take advantage of the ongoing water rationing to sell water from unsafe sources.
Dar es Salaam Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (Dawasa) in Tanzania recently announced water rationing in the city caused by the decrease in water levels in Ruvu and Wami.
The government agency said the drop of water levels was caused by prolonged dry spells due to climate change. The experts say the situation poses health risks to water consumers who are now accessing it from alternative sources.
The government’s immunisation unit also advises water consumers to make sure the water is boiled properly before drinking.
“Under the current situation, people must be careful with the water they use. Instead of fighting the scarcity of water, we may start to deal with diseases,” says a hygiene officer from Tanzania Water and Sanitation Network (Tawasanet), Mr Darius Mhawi.
The acting assistant director for environmental health and sanitation in the Ministry of Health, Social Welfare, Community Development, Gender and Children, Dr Khalid Massa, said the public should ensure they use water from authorized sources in order to avoid outbreaks of diseases.
“For a long time we have not experienced cases of cholera. So, I urge the public to take all precautions to ensure they are protected from disease especially this period when we experience water shortages,” he said.
He also asked local councils to ensure that food vendors followed all the sanitation requirements such as washing hands by using fresh running water and soap and ensure their areas were always clean.
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