Ubong Sampson – Uyo
Following the outbreak of cholera in 23 States of the Federation, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has urged the state government to initiate steps to forestall outbreak of the disease in Akwa Ibom.
At plenary on Tuesday, the House also directed the Ministries of Health, Environment, Information and Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM) to embark on rigorous sensitisation campaigns on the need for good hygiene and routine sanitation.
This followed a motion brought before the House by the Representative of Etinan State Constituency, Barr. Aniefiok Dennis.
Presenting his motion, the lawmaker said without proper water sanitation and hygiene, Akwa Ibom state is at the risk of cholera infection and consequent deaths.
He cited access to quality and safe drinking water, maintenance of public hygiene and regular environmental sanitation as long term solutions to the eradication of the disease.
“Cholera is a waterborne disease with high transmission risk where there is poor hygiene, irregular sanitation and disruption of clean water supply. Poor refuge handling and practice such as open defecation also endangers the safety of water used for drinking and other purposes.
“Fortunately, for the period under review, there has not been any known case of cholera in Akwa Ibom State. This is a lesson for us to be alert and proactive by maintaining good sanitation and hygiene in our homes, workplaces, places of worship and other public spaces”, he said.
The House therefore urged the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency and the Ministry of Environment to redouble efforts in evacuating wastes in the state.
It also implored the Ministry of Lands and Water Resources, as well as other relevant ministries to intensify efforts towards making safe drinking water available for Akwa Ibom people
