Naabogu residents raise health concerns over sharing water source with livestock

Residents of Naabogu in the Northern Region have raised health concerns over sharing their source of water with livestock.They said the community and surrounding areas relied on a single stream for all their water needs including drinking.The community called on humanitarian organisations to establish alternative clean water sources for them to improve sanitation in the area.Mr Fatawu Fuseini, Assemblyman of the area, told the Ghana News Agency that the water source was an extension of the Black Volta River.He said the community was aware that the water was not clean for drinking but used it because it was the only source.He said the water served about 5,000 people in the area, adding because it was the only water body, it was shared with animals as well as used for washing.He appealed to the government and NGOs 'To help us with water treatment plant or a mechanised borehole. This water is not safe for our health.'Ms Fadila Iddrisu, a resident of Savelugu, said she had a farm in the Naabogu com munity and was compelled to often use the unclean water.She said 'If we get tap water or a borehole in Naabogu, it will help us. We use this water with animals.'Mr Haruna Ziblim, a livestock farmer in the Naabogu community said he drank from the same water he led his animals to drink.He said he was aware of the health risks but mentioned that this had been the community's only water source for generations.At the time of GNA's visit, animals were seen drinking from the water while people were washing their feet and others fetching the water for various household purposes.The water level serving the community had decreased due to lack of rainfall.Residents, however, reported that during heavy rains, the water body overflowed its banks bringing debris that made the water more unsuitable for consumption.Source: Ghana News Agency