WITH the rainy season in full swing, health authorities called on local governments to prevent water contamination by installing water chlorinators for its water systems.
“Contaminated water system can be the cause of diarrhea, typhoid fever and leptospirosis,” said Dr. Expedito Medalla, health management staff coordinator of the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7).
DOH-7 Director Dr. Jaime Bernadas said sanitation should be prioritized by Cebu’s LGUs specially those areas vulnerable to typhoid fever.
“There should be access to a safe potable water supply. Sanitation inspectors should examine the drinking water on the local water system especially those that are being commercialized,” Dr. Bernadas said.
Water chlorinators cost P40,000 to P46,000, he said. Dr. Medalla said LGUs or barangays can also use improvised water chlorinators using barrels and water hoses.
For those living in the countryside, residents are advised to boil drinking water at least 10 to 15 minutes and to observe proper hand washing.
Dr. Bernadas said the DOH-7 is also conducting basic life support trainings for households in Cebu and the region to help them deal with natural calamities like floods and earthquakes.
Last week, the Office of the Civil Defense held a summit on disaster risk reduction communications to develop coordination between government and the private sector.
OCD-7 Director Olive Luces said they are helping Cebu strengthen its disaster response and management mechanisms as it hosts international events like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation next month and the International Eucharistic Congress in January next year./WITH UP Cebu Intern Mary Claire U. Catado