Editorial
Save Our People From Contaminated Water
- Details
- Published on Friday, 07 December 2012 07:01
- Written by The News
Residents Of Whein Town have complained about unsafe drinking water in their community as a result of the contamination caused by the waste disposal site in the area. The waste disposal site was designated by the Monrovia City Corporation.
The Whein Town community residents, through their Chairman on Dirt Situation, Terrance Sackie said wastes at the dumpsite have contaminated their wells which made the water unsafe for drinking and cooking. Sackie explained that the water being used by the community has turned green due to the contamination from waste at the disposal site.
He Lamented That they are more vulnerable than before because of the dry season during which the wells are dry and the water is highly concentrated with chemicals and toxins from the dumpsite. The residents are also complaining about negative health effect including severe headache and skin rashes from long exposure to air pollution of toxins and other harmful chemicals.
With All The explanations about difficulties experienced by the people, we are compelled to call on relevant government agencies to take steps to remedy the situation. We must remember that water is life but not the one that is contaminated, which is life threatening.
The People Deserve a safe and clean drinking water; therefore, it is important for the government to protect the Whein Town and other communities from wastes disposal because it pollutes the air and contaminates the wells which most communities rely on for cooking and drinking.
We Think That the Monrovia City Corporation and the Environmental Protection Agency should consider the relocating of the dumpsite from Whein Town to an isolated area that has no inhabitants. It is our opinion, however, that if this is done, the people stand the chance of living in a pollution-free environment, and if there is no alternative location for waste disposal, then the option for constructing hand pumps in the area should be seen as an urgent matter.
Saving The People from contaminated water is the best way to prevent them from attracting sicknesses. We call on the Liberian government to urgently do something about the waste disposal sites, not only in Whein Town, but also in other areas that are threatened as a result of pollution emanating from waste products and dirt.
