Bunia, May 14th, 2025 (CPA) .- The regular cleaning of water wells and tanks is one of the essential measures to fight against water-borne diseases, has said in an interview on Wednesday the head officer of the water resources at the provincial environmental coordination office in Ituri in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
‘The regular cleaning of water tanks and wells in the town of Bunia, as well as throughout Ituri province, is an essential measure in the fight against water-borne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera and dysentery,’ has said Justin Vwa Weka, head of the water resources office at the Ituri provincial environmental coordination office. He has underlined the importance of regular cleaning of water tanks and wells, as this helps to create a healthier and more comfortable environment for the community, aiming not only to protect public health, but also to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants. Mr Justin Vwa Weka has deplored the fact that many owners of water tanks and wells do not take the trouble to clean their structures, thereby posing a real danger to public health. In order to prevent water-borne diseases, he has encouraged the owners of these facilities to empty the water from their tanks and wells before carrying out a weekly cleaning because, according to him, this simple but essential practice will not only guarantee the quality of the water, but will also protect the health of consumers by reducing the risks of contamination. Finally, he has launched an urgent appeal to the provincial government, via the Department of Hygiene and Health, to organise an awareness campaign aimed at the owners of water tanks and wells. ‘This campaign must highlight the importance of proper maintenance practices, because the lives of thousands of people are threatened by various risks of water-borne diseases’, has concluded Mr Vwa. ACP/