The Hidden Health Crisis in Wetland-Bordering Communities
In densely populated communities that lie on the edge of the country’s wetlands, including areas like Ebo-Town, New Jeshwang, and Tallinding Farokono, residents are facing an invisible public health crisis. As the rainy season approaches, concerns are growing among both locals and health professionals about the deteriorating conditions of their drainage systems.
Overflowing Gutters and Rising Health Risks
The gutters in these neighborhoods are overflowing with solid waste, creating stagnant pools of water that serve as breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and disease-carrying insects. These neglected waterways pose serious threats to public health, ranging from cholera and dysentery to respiratory complications caused by mold and decaying waste.
Lamin Fadera, a native of New Jeshwang, highlights the issue: “Look at the drainages—they are jam-packed with solid waste. How can water flow easily from one place to another? I don’t think the authorities should be completely blamed for this. The communities are part of the problem. The only way we can achieve progress is when the Anti-Littering Act is fully implemented.”
Fadera and others believe that the government has contributed to the crisis by constructing drainage systems that are never properly maintained. Many of these channels are now clogged, halting the natural flow of water from upland areas to the wetlands. However, residents also admit that they play a role in the problem—by throwing household waste into open drains and failing to take responsibility for their upkeep.
The Health Consequences of Poor Drainage
Health researchers emphasize that blocked drains not only cause flooding and property damage but also create ideal conditions for disease. Sewage spills can introduce harmful microorganisms into the environment, while stagnant water breeds mosquitoes, flies, and other vectors. Mold spores from damp environments can aggravate allergies and respiratory illnesses, especially in people with asthma.
Frances Camara, a public health officer, states, “Unclean drainages pose significant threats to public health by creating breeding grounds for disease vectors and contaminating water sources. Stagnant water in clogged drains can harbor bacteria and pathogens, leading to illnesses like cholera, dysentery, and other waterborne diseases. Furthermore, poor drainage can exacerbate flooding, leading to injuries from submerged debris or electrical hazards.”
Camara warns that the upcoming rainy season could worsen the situation. “Wherever there is stagnant water, insects like mosquitoes breed. That’s a serious health threat. The government should make sure that gutters are regularly kept clean so water can flow smoothly to its final destination,” he said.
He also highlights that unclean drainage systems can carry pollutants and chemicals into rivers and streams, affecting not only aquatic life but also human drinking water sources. Poor drainage, he adds, can lead to soil erosion and degradation, ultimately threatening agriculture and food security.
Widespread Health Risks
Fatou Marong, another public health officer, underscores the widespread risks associated with contaminated drainage systems. “Untreated wastewater and contaminated stormwater runoff can carry pathogens like bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and other illnesses,” she explains. “Stagnant water in clogged drains becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies, and other insects that transmit diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus.”
Contact with contaminated water, she says, can cause skin infections, allergic reactions, and other health problems. She also warns of the presence of sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff in unclean drains, which can introduce harmful chemicals and heavy metals into the environment—sometimes making their way into the food chain.
“Inadequate sanitation and contaminated water sources are major contributors to cholera outbreaks, particularly in areas with poor infrastructure,” Marong says. Diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues are common health problems associated with exposure to pathogens in unclean drainage systems. Skin rashes, itchiness, and allergic reactions can result from contact with contaminated drainage water or mold growth in damp areas.
The Psychological Toll
Beyond physical health, the psychological toll is also mounting. Louie Mendy, a resident of Jeshwang, notes, “The unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions cause stress and anxiety. It affects our mental well-being. It’s hard to live with dignity when your surroundings are filled with filth and disease.”
Mendy emphasizes that managing drainage systems effectively requires more than just construction—it needs consistent maintenance, proper grading, and public education. “Key aspects include preventing blockages, ensuring adequate slope for water flow, and possibly using controlled drainage techniques to manage water levels,” he says.
A Call for Action
Experts are calling for a multi-pronged response to address the crisis. This includes regular drain cleaning, community participation, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and greater investment in sanitation infrastructure. Marong highlights the importance of public education campaigns to change behavior at the grassroots level.
“Investing in and maintaining proper sanitation and wastewater treatment systems is crucial to prevent contamination of water sources and reduce disease transmission,” she says. “Implementing effective stormwater management practices, such as proper drainage and erosion control, can minimize the risk of pollutants entering water bodies. And we must educate the public about hygiene, sanitation, and the dangers of unclean drainage to encourage responsible behavior.”
In neighborhoods like Tallinding Farokono, where heavy rains often submerge roads and seep into homes, the stakes could not be higher. With the clouds gathering and the first drops of the season imminent, residents wait—and worry. Without swift action, what begins as blocked gutters could end in a preventable health catastrophe.
