The Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) has expressed serious concern over a leaking sewer pipe crossing into the Lilongwe River, posing a public health risk to communities downstream.
MHEN Executive Director, George Jones, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the apparent discharge of untreated sewage into the river threatens the health and livelihoods of people who rely on the river for domestic activities, urban agriculture, and other purposes.
“The continued leakage presents a significant risk of cholera outbreaks, undermining current prevention and response efforts. Sewage contamination significantly increases the risk of cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, and other water-borne diseases,” said Jobe, urging authorities at the Lilongwe City Council and other relevant authorities to urgently repair the leaking sewer infrastructure and stop further discharge into the river.
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The organization is also urging the authorities to strengthen routine inspection and maintenance of the sewer system to prevent such case, enforce accountability where negligence or delayed maintenance is identified, and encourage and facilitate public reporting of sewer leakages and spillages to ensure prompt maintenance
“Safe sanitation is a core public health obligation. Preventing sewage from entering rivers and public places is one of the most cost-effective and sustainable ways to prevent disease outbreaks and protect communities,” emphasized Jobe in the statement.
There was no immediate comment from the Lilongwe City Council.
MHEN is an alliance of over 100 civil society organizations in the health sector committed to promoting equitable access to quality, affordable, and responsive healthcare services in Malawi.