The people of Ukwa Eburutu in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State has called on the state and federal government to come to its aid over lack of drinking water in the community to avoid an imminent outbreak of waterborne diseases. This call was made when our correspondent visited the community. It was observed that the only available source of drinking water in the community are dirty stagnant streams and rain water. It was also observed that while there are efforts by the state government to stop open defecation in the state, open defecation is rampant in the community.
And indigene of the area Mr. Bassey Effiong described the situation as 'terrible'. 'Whenever it rains, the rain washes the faeces from the open defecation area to the source of drinking water', he said. He called on the state and federal government to come to the aid of people to avoid the outbreak of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
Many Deaths Recorded from Cholera
A chief in the community, Chief Monday Obio recalled how the community recorded an outbreak of cholera in the 90s which led to the death of not less than 50 persons. 'In the early 90s, we lost so many indigenes of this community to cholera. Even till date, a number of persons have been dying from waterborne diseases like dysentery, cholera, typhoid fever. Government should please come to our aid'. He called on the state government to provide drinking water for the community to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
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