Newscenter Media News Lagos partners on water security
Chessi community in Kulani District of Balanga Local Council of Gombe State has been struck by an unidentified disease that has resulted in 12 deaths and over 50 others hospitalised.
Medical doctors, Israel James and Yakubu Maina, while addressing the press, clarified that the ailment is not cholera, noting that blood and water samples had been taken to determine the nature of the illness.
“Currently, more than 30 patients are bedridden with symptoms, including severe headaches, high fever, jaundice, and stomach pain,” they said.
The medics advised the community to report any suspicious symptoms to the health centre established at Chessi Primary School.
The member representing Balanga North Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Musa Buba, has, however, donated drugs and consumables worth over N1.5 million to the community.
He commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for dispatching a team from the Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Patients, including Habiba Salisu, Aisha Mohammed and Mohammed Sulaiman, who spoke to newsmen, thanked the lawmaker for providing essential drugs and consumables.
In a related development, the Lagos State government has launched a new initiative in partnership with investors, experts and policy makers for water security and check associated risks of water-borne diseases.
The Guardian gathered that the partnership termed: “Lagos Water Partnership (LWP)” would play a vital role in shaping the future of water management and access in the state.
The LWP, launched in partnership with Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA), is to mobilise private and public finance for water projects that enhance climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, noted the water percularity of Lagos, a home to 20 million people, and one of the fastest growing cities in Africa with a growth of 77 people per hour between 2010 and 2030.
According to him, despite being surrounded by wetlands, lagoons and the Atlantic Ocean, just 10 per cent of people living in Lagos have access to a municipal water supply.
He said: “The city is also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including sea-level rise and flooding.
“The establishment of the new Lagos Water Partnership represents a major milestone in the Resilient Water Accelerator’s mission to unlock new sources of financing for necessary climate-resilient water projects.
“This could include enhancing urban and rural water supply infrastructure, introducing innovative technologies, and spearheading the review and development of sector policies and regulations.”
The post Strange illness kills 12 in Gombe community appeared first on Guardian Nigeria News.