Africa-Press – Cape verde. The São Vicente Health Department is collecting samples to analyze the quality of the water currently consumed on the island. The samples are expected to be sent to Praia later this week.
This information was provided to Rádio Morabeza by São Vicente’s Health Secretary, Elísio Silva.
“We already have a team in São Vicente that, through the Red Cross, will help us assess the water quality. The Health Department, through the INSP (National Institute of Social Security), will send water samples to Praia, from production to consumption, which is people’s homes, because we are aware of the problems with flooding caused by the rains in São Vicente,” he explained.
The measure, according to the official, is preventative and was adopted following the floods on the 11th, which also affected the water production and distribution system.
The Health Secretary emphasizes that it is essential to redouble water safety measures at this time. He recommends boiling it or adding two drops of bleach to every liter of water before consumption.
“We know there have been problems with the water pipes and sewers, so we can contaminate the water that reaches our homes. Therefore, water for drinking and preparing food must have its quality assured, and we know that it is not reaching all areas with the quality it should,” he states.
Regarding the images that have been circulating showing people using stagnant water to clean spaces or objects collected from the mud, Elísio Silva warns that the practice poses a serious risk to public health.
“We ask the public to avoid any use of this stagnant water, whether for washing their homes, objects, or clothes, because contaminated water can transmit various types of diseases due to improper use. We have seen people using this water, but it is not recommended for any use,” he emphasizes.
The Health Manager once again draws attention to the risks of swimming in the sea, especially on the city’s beaches, which “may be contaminated.”
According to Elísio Silva, water and sand samples will also be sent to laboratories for analysis.
“City beaches in particular should be avoided for any type of swimming at this time. We should send water and sand samples to the laboratory this week, because even sitting on the sand is not recommended, as it may be contaminated. We have other beaches on the island that can be used and that, in my understanding, have not been contaminated like those at Laginha and Galé beach,” he warns.
The Health Department asks the public to await official guidance from health authorities and civil protection.
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