From Chijioke Agwu, Abakaliki
Aware of the significance of water and sanitation in prevention and control of epidemics, Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi, has directed that adequate water and public toilets be provided for Akpoha community inAfikpo North Local Government Area of the state before the end of January.
Umahi gave the directive when he visited patients of cholera outbreak in the community at Amata Akpoha MDG Health Centre. He said his administration would sink 10 boreholes, and also construct modern toilets in the area within two weeks.
A recent outbreak of the disease claimed at least eight lives, including a two-year-old baby, Augustine Elem and her mother, Mary Elem, in the community, with many others hospitalised.
Addressing the people, Umahi said the move would help tackle water scarcity in the council area.
He thanked the Chairman of Afikpo North Local Government Area, Mr. Uchenna Ibiam, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Daniel Umezurike andhealth workers for their individual and collective efforts at saving the lives of the patients.
“The Commissioner for Water Resources, the Commissioner for Health and all the leaders here will tell us where to sink ten number boreholes and construct toilets here, to start latest by 6th of January,” the governor said.