As Drought Predicted For The Region
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Health authorities are warning of a likely diarrhoea outbreak in Gizo, the Western Provincial Capital as water shortages begin to hit across parts of Western Province, with children identified as the most vulnerable.
Reports reaching Solomon Star indicate that several primary school students in Gizo have already been sent home after complaining of severe stomach pains, raising early concerns among teachers and parents.
The situation comes as most water tanks in Gizo are rapidly running dry, forcing many households to rely on limited and potentially unsafe water sources.
Teachers and parents
have begun advising families to purchase bottled mineral water from shops as a precautionary measure.
Provincial Health Director, Dr. Dickson Boara, earlier told Solomon Star that diarrhoea cases are expected to rise in the most affected areas if the dry conditions persist.
He confirmed that health teams have already been deployed to Simbo and South Rannoggah, where communities are still recovering from the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila and are facing serious water supply and sanitation challenges.
“Cases are likely to increase, especially in areas where access to clean drinking water is limited,” Dr. Boara said.
Communities in Simbo and Rannoga are among the hardest hit, with many residents
relying on contaminated or unsafe water sources following the cyclone’s destruction of infrastructure and water systems.
In Gizo, concerns are mounting as the drought threat intensifies, with authorities urging residents to prioritize safe drinking water and maintain proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as fears grow that the province could face a wider public health issue if urgent measures are not taken.
Ends
