The Volta Regional Director of Environmental Health, Stella Kumedzro, has warned residents of flood-affected communities in Anloga against consuming or selling food contaminated by floodwaters, cautioning that such practices could trigger outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and other waterborne diseases.
Her warning comes as residents participated in the nationwide two-day clean-up exercise aimed at restoring communities affected by recent flooding and improving environmental sanitation.
Speaking to Adom News after taking part in the exercise, Madam Kumedzro expressed concern that floodwaters had submerged refuse dumps and toilet facilities, increasing the risk of contamination and the spread of diseases.
She urged food vendors, market women and residents to remain vigilant and avoid handling or consuming any food that may have come into contact with floodwaters.
According to her, protecting public health must remain a priority in the aftermath of the floods, as contaminated food poses serious risks to communities.
While issuing the caution, Madam Kumedzro commended residents of Anloga for their active participation in the clean-up exercise, describing the turnout as a demonstration of the community’s commitment to improving sanitation.
She said the exercise, which brought together residents, sanitation officers, volunteers and local authorities, focused on clearing choked drains, removing refuse and restoring public spaces to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.
The Environmental Health Director encouraged residents to maintain good hygiene practices by keeping their surroundings clean, disposing of waste responsibly and reporting suspected cases of food contamination to the appropriate health authorities.
She stressed that environmental sanitation should not be treated as a one-off exercise but as a continuous responsibility shared by every member of the community.
Madam Kumedzro noted that sustained cleanliness would not only help prevent sanitation-related diseases but also make communities more resilient against future flooding.
The nationwide clean-up exercise forms part of government’s efforts to improve sanitation and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in communities affected by the recent floods.
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