Chief health inspector advises prudent use of night soil. ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Chief Health Inspector Lionel Michael is appealing to residents to take waste disposal seriously, particularly those who use the night soil or bucket system. Michael, who heads the Central Board of Health, said he has received a “few” reports that persons who utilise that system have, on some occasions, disposed of the bodily waste in drains and other places. “Waste disposal should and must be taken seriously because improper waste disposal can have a negative impact on people’s health and can cause diseases,” he said. Michael also urged residents to ensure they have access to water and that they wash their hands and cleanse themselves after using the washroom. “Pay close attention to personal hygiene, provision of safe water and sanitary facilities to preserve human health,” he advised. At the same time, the health official noted that the night soil system is not prevalent across the twin island as it is mainly used in some areas in Gray’s Farm, Point and Ovals. He explained these areas are congested, some homes do not have running water and infrastructure is poor. The infrastructure issue is the narrowness of some roads which impedes collection of night soil buckets. “It is hard to collect in some areas and some people bring it out themselves at a certain point” he said. The system is used by residents who have no septic or pit latrine. The waste is picked up by Central Board of Health contractors who take it to a specific location within the Cooks Dump site. Antigua and Barbuda is a signatory to the Cartagena Convention and the Protocol on Land Based sources of marine pollution. UNEP CEP through the GEF CReW project is providing support for improving national policies and legislation for wastewater management in the island. Tweet Visit website
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 12:59:00 +0000
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