By: Nyima Sillah
Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, Chief Medical Director of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), has raised concerns over the growing health risks posed by poor drainage systems and stagnant water during the rainy season, warning that these environmental issues are significantly contributing to seasonal disease outbreaks across the country.
In an interview with The Voice, Dr. Bittaye emphasized that human activities such as the indiscriminate disposal of waste and the obstruction of natural waterways are exacerbating existing drainage challenges and creating fertile conditions for the spread of waterborne illnesses.
“If our drainage systems are turned into dumping sites, water flow becomes obstructed, leading to stagnation and serious health hazards,” he said. “People construct buildings across waterways or clog drains and expect proper drainage. These practices must stop.”
Dr. Bittaye highlighted that communities with inadequate drainage infrastructure, open wells, and pit latrines are particularly at risk. “In areas lacking proper sanitation and water management systems, the likelihood of flooding and contamination is greatly increased,” he noted. “Such communities are often the first to suffer outbreaks of diseases like cholera and diarrhea during the rainy season.”
He urged the public to take preventive measures, including regularly clearing drainage channels and refraining from disposing of waste in waterways. He also advised vigilance around small containers and household items that can collect rainwater and serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
“Even minor negligence, such as leaving open containers outside, can contribute to a surge in mosquito populations,” Dr. Bittaye warned. “Malaria remains a major seasonal health threat, despite efforts toward pre-elimination. Stagnant water from heavy rains continues to drive a resurgence of cases, particularly in under-served areas.”
Addressing the risks of groundwater contamination, Dr. Bittaye stressed the importance of assessing the proximity between boreholes and sanitation facilities. “A borehole may be safely distanced from your own latrine but dangerously close to your neighbor’s. Communities must seek proper guidance on the placement of such structures to avoid contamination.”
He called for greater collaboration between health authorities, community leaders, and the general public to address these challenges, underlining the need for ongoing public education and community-led environmental management.
“Protecting public health during the rainy season requires shared responsibility and sustained vigilance,” Dr. Bittaye concluded. “Only through coordinated efforts can we safeguard the well-being of our communities.”