Poor Sanitation Sparks Cholera Fears In Aboabo Kese
Residents of Aboabo Kese in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region have expressed concern over what they describe as deteriorating sanitation conditions in the community, warning that the situation could lead to a cholera outbreak if urgent action is not taken.
The residents blame the growing health threat on an overflowing refuse dump and a dilapidated wooden public toilet, which they say have become major sources of pollution and disease.
Speaking to SWIFTNEWS3, some residents said the onset of the rainy season has worsened the situation, increasing their fears of a possible outbreak of cholera and other sanitation-related diseases.
According to them, the refuse dump, located close to residential homes, produces a strong stench, especially after rainfall, while swarms of flies from both the dump and the public toilet frequently invade homes and contaminate food.
The residents explained that the ageing wooden toilet facility has deteriorated over the years and now serves as a breeding ground for flies and other disease-carrying insects.
“We are living in fear. Flies from the refuse dump and toilet settle on our food every day. With the rainy season here, we are worried that cholera and other diseases could break out in the community,” a resident lamented.
They noted that children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups are particularly at risk due to the unsanitary conditions prevailing in the area.
The residents are therefore appealing to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and other relevant sanitation authorities to relocate the refuse dump and rehabilitate or replace the public toilet facility.
They also called on health officials to intensify public education on cholera prevention, environmental cleanliness and proper hygiene practices to help reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.
As concerns continue to grow, residents say they are hopeful that authorities will act swiftly to address what they describe as a looming public health threat before the situation gets out of hand.
