By Hulda Enkono
It is the right of every Namibian to have integrity based sanitation access, according to the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Most often than not, this is the right not fully actualized because most Namibian citizens sit in squalor and absolutely next to nothing is done about this monstrous ever growing problem.
Upon investigation, flowing man holes and flooded streets can be seen in clear view of the local citizens on their way to their different destinations. Ladies sit in rows to avoid the scorching hot sun as they maintain composure trying to smell fat cakes, while waiting for their young ones to return from school.
The area is fly ridden, it has a foul smell and the wet floor is not allowing customers headed into the shopping complex that houses Metro (Sefalana), Munchos and Fashion World to walk very comfortably. The very young children play next to their mothers as they attempt to make a sale from their fat cake business to ensure that her family is fed. The economic situation in Northern Namibia is not fair on a lot of the population and a lot of families go without basic need just to ensure that the children are fed.
If this sewage water that is flowing in the streets of Katima Mulilo is so easily accessed by these ladies as well as the general public that are buying from these ladies that sit at the side of the shops, imagine the catastrophe?
Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses and protozoa. It is important to remember to wear protective clothing such as gloves, appropriate footwear, and eye wear when cleaning.
Laboratory reports have been done on sewage and the reports are not good. Most of these pathogenic indicators and bacteria cause Gastro Intestinal Tract problems such as diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and fever. They include but are not limited to Clostridium, Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas and Vibrio. These bacteria cause the human body extensive pain during illness and it is advised that washing hands with clean water and aseptic soap be repeated continuously.
One wonders who is responsible for such matters, and everybody assumes it is the next person. A source who would like to remain anonymous bluntly informed The Caprivi Vision, “Katima Mulilo staff are mostly only excited because end of the month, the salary is paid, but during the month, the work is not done.”
Garbage removal in Katima Mulilo is also of great concern. When interviewed, residents in Soweto complained that their garbage pilled up and that the garbage area was fly ridden and had a bad smell.
The mixture of garbage in black plastic bags, compounded by the direct sunlight that the garbage spends all day baking in sets a fertile area for bugs and other disease causing bacteria to spread and germinate.
The community in Lifasi Street of Katima Mulilo have taken it upon themselves to make a change about this situation, if you are willing to join the petition, please visit Metro (Sefalana), Munchos, Fashion World or Build it and please fill out the petition to change the sewage situation in Katima Mulilo.
Loading …