Butaleja: Residents of Busaba Sub-County in Butaleja District are facing an imminent risk of cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases due to contamination of local water sources.
The situation is particularly dire as one of the boreholes at Busaba Project Primary School has been contaminated with human feces, exacerbating the public health crisis.
Robert Gadunya, the LCIII for Busaba Sub-County, reported that the borehole, which serves about 6,000 people, has become a source of concern.
Despite the contamination, many residents, including those from neighboring communities, continue to use the water for domestic purposes, including drinking, cooking, and washing. This increases the risk of disease outbreaks in the area.
The contamination problem has been worsened by recent heavy rains, which caused flooding when the nearby River Manafwa burst its banks.
This flooding, combined with broken toilets near the borehole, has made the water source even more vulnerable to contamination, presenting a serious public health threat.
Richard Wasike, the district water engineer, explained that both Busaba and Mazimasa Sub-Counties are densely populated with homes situated in close proximity to water sources and toilets.
Under regulations, a borehole should be located at least 30 meters away from toilets to prevent contamination, but this rule has not been followed.
Wasike has ordered that any toilets found too close to water sources be demolished to curb further contamination.
Henry Isogoli, the district health inspector, has been made aware of the situation and is working with the district’s health team to address the issue. He confirmed that plans are underway to raise awareness in the community about the risks of cholera and other diseases.
Isogoli has urged residents to take proactive measures to prevent contamination, such as regularly washing their hands and ensuring that toilets and washrooms are kept clean and hygienic.
Local authorities are appealing to residents to remain vigilant and take personal responsibility for their health. The district officials are working on public awareness campaigns to educate the community on proper hygiene practices, as they develop strategies to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases in the area.
With the potential for a cholera outbreak, public health experts are urging residents to avoid using contaminated water sources and to seek alternative, safe drinking water where possible.
Authorities are also calling for urgent intervention to repair the broken toilets and prevent further contamination of local water sources.
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