The Water Crisis in Guinea-Bissau: Unsafe and Unsanitary

Recent cholera outbreaks in Guinea-Bissau have highlighted the severe water crisis, with tragic consequences. The number of fatalities has reached 225 and over 14,000 people have been infected, predominantly in the capital city, Bissau. This article delves into the current water situation, causes, and implications of the crisis, while also discussing potential solutions.

Cholera Outbreak in Bissau

Cholera has been a seasonal menace in Bissau for the past five years, exacerbated by inadequate water infrastructure and reliance on open wells. In February 2023, a recent outbreak killed 225 people, with 14,000 more becoming infected. The capital, Bissau, has been the epicenter of this public health crisis.

225 fatalities 14,000 infected people

Reasons Behind the Crisis

The water crisis in Bissau is rooted in several factors, mainly poor water infrastructure and neglect. According to Jose Manuel Ramos, a water engineer from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the critical issues include:

Lack of investment in water management and sewage systems Rusty sewage and water pipes laid in the colonial era, 45 years ago Inadequate maintenance and care leading to system failure

Ramos further explained that the population of Bissau has surged since the 1960s, from an estimated 60,000 to over 350,000 residents. This exponential growth has significantly increased the pressure on the existing infrastructure.

Impact on Citizen Health

Due to the lack of proper water supply and sanitation systems, residents have resorted to digging wells in their backyards. However, these wells are not safe, particularly during the rainy season. Contaminated runoff from uncontrolled sewage and other pollutants inevitably seeps into these sources, posing severe health risks.

Health experts emphasize that such open wells are a breeding ground for waterborne diseases. During the rainy season, when there is an increase in uncontrollable runoff, the risk of contamination is even higher. This situation underscores the urgent need for better water management and sanitation systems in the city.

Potential Solutions

To address the water crisis in Bissau, several solutions are imperative:

Invest in modernizing and maintaining the water and sanitation infrastructure. This includes upgrading both the water supply and sewage systems. Establish stricter regulations on waste disposal to prevent improper runoff from contaminating water sources. Implement community education programs to raise awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation. Incorporate lessons from successful water management projects in other regions to tailor solutions to the local context.

By taking these steps, Guinea-Bissau can improve the quality of life for its citizens and reduce the risk of future waterborne outbreaks.