Health experts have warned communities affected by the Akosombo and Kopong Dams spillage of a likely outbreak of diseases.

Several Communities around the Volta Lake have been submerged in water, displacing many residents.

The experts fear the current insanitary conditions created by spillage of the dams could create a public health crisis if proper steps are not taken immediately to address the problem.

Speaking to Starr News, the Volta Regional Environmental Health Officer, Stella Kumedzro stated the situation for the affected residents is not best.

“We saw some of the toilets submerged under the water, so it means all the contents in those toilets are mixed up with the flood water. Most of the people I saw still use the surface water for cooking, for bathing and for other household chores.

“So the implications for public health are that it will trigger water-related diseases, skin rashes, diarrhea, typhoid among others. It is a very terrible situation at hand,” she said.

Meanwhile, District Director of Health at North Tongue, Michael Kofi Zigah also indicated that there are a number of measures put in place to control any health challenges that may come up.

“We have been able to operationalize a mobile clinic here to just take care of minor conditions. We will keep a close watch on the people so that in case there is a health issue that we have not recorded before we can quickly take care of it. So the mobile clinic is here for two things, manage illness and then conduct surveillance.

“We are looking at any condition that we pick up and further investigate. Any condition that comes out severe. What they are supposed to do is to refer, so the Bartor Catholic Hospital which is serving as district hospital will be taking care of them,” he added.  

Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM